Procedure:
The superficial leg veins are disconnected from the deep leg veins through a cut in the groin. This stops back pressure from the leaky valve here. The vein is then stripped from groin to knee. Other veins in the thigh and lower leg are dealt with by pulling out pieces of vein through small cuts. The aim is not to remove all the varicose veins but to damage the veins sufficiently to induce scarring. A vital part of the treatment is to wear compression bandages after surgery. The bandages apply pressure to the damaged veins and encourage them to scar up closed. Failure to keep this pressure on the veins will result in some varicose veins remaining after the procedure.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which include:
(a) Hard tender lumps at the site of the veins.
(b) As often the skin about the lower leg is very thin, ulcers in this area may occur.
(c) Rarely damage may occur to the deeper veins or arteries of the leg.
(d) All the veins may not be removed and some varicose veins may remain in the leg after the operation.
(e) Rarely the nerve which gives sensation to the foot may be damaged and numbness occurs in this foot.
(f) The wounds may heal in an unusual way and become red, thick and may be painful.
(g) Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.
(h) Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.