Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy involves injecting small amounts of a local anaesthetic and then making tiny wounds to allow removal of veins.
| Procedure time | 60 minutes |
| Anaesthetic type | Local anaesthesia |
| Day case or overnight | Day case procedure in theatre room |
| Downtime/recovery | Normal activity can resume immediately |
Very rarely some types of veins need a small surgical procedure under local anaesthetic.
Most cases of troublesome varicose veins are treated by our experts using the most modern techniques available namely, thermal ablation and or ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. It is the exception that the configuration of the veins would benefit from a combination of these techniques combined with phlebectomy.
For the majority of patients varicose veins are rarely a cause for significant medical concern. However, they are unsightly and can cause emotional distress, self-consciousness and social stigma. For others, symptoms of ache, itch and heaviness can become very troublesome. An unlucky few can develop eczema, skin damage and venous ulceration.
Phlebectomy involves injecting small amounts of a local anaesthetic and then making tiny wounds to allow removal of veins. The procedure ends with application of steristrips and bandaging.
Usually patients are asked to wait a short time before leaving the clinic. It is common to see bruising after this treatment and compression needs to be worn for up to two weeks after. With time the bruising fades and the appearance and symptoms progressively improve over 2-3 months. Sometimes we need to follow up with injection treatment but this is unusual.
Our surgeons are leading experts in managing varicose veins and treatment options and will discuss all of these with you at your consultation.
