Surgery for Varicose Veins
If you have large varicose veins, surgery may be the best option. However, it will not prevent new varicose veins from forming. Surgery is most often performed in a hospital or surgery center on an outpatient basis.
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| During ligation, a suture may be placed where the greater saphenous meets the femoral vein. A damaged portion of vein is sometimes removed. |
Varicose Vein Surgery
Your surgery will be tailored to your needs. Varicose veins may be tied off (ligation) or removed. Blood will then flow through the healthy veins. One or more of the following techniques may be used:
Ligation
In some cases, the surgeon may tie off the greater saphenous vein. Smaller branching veins may also be tied off or removed.
Microphlebectomy
A special hook is used to gently take out a varicose vein through tiny incisions. Microphlebectomy may be done in your doctor’s office.
Stripping
All or part of the vein may be removed with a stripping instrument.
Know About the Risks
Your doctor will talk with you about the risks of surgery. These include:
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| During microphlebectomy, a special hook is used to remove a varicose vein. |
Publication Source:
Sadick NS, Dermatologic Clinics, 23(3), Advances in the treatment of varicose veins: ambulatory phlebectomy, foam sclerotherapy, endovascular laser, and radiofrequency closure, Jul 1, 2005, pp 443-55
Publication Source:
Teruya TH, Surgical Clinics of North America, 84(5), New approaches for the treatment of varicose veins, Oct 1, 2004, pp 1397-417
Online Medical Reviewer:
Trahan, Katherine MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/2/2004
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002