Ambulatory Phlebectomy

AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY

Individual bulging varicose veins that are too twisted to accommodate a laser fiber are removed using a technique developed by dermatologists called ambulatory phlebectomy. This treatment is an outpatient procedure that involves a series of small "stab-like" incisions along the course of the varicose vein. The vein is then removed carefully teased out of the skin in segments until it is completely removed. The tiny incisions usually heal with minimal scarring.

Ambulatory phlebectomy may be combined with other therapies in the treatment of venous disease. The procedure is not recommended for patients unable to walk on their own or wear compression stockings.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and patients should not feel any pain during treatment. The procedure involves four steps:

1. The veins to be treated are outlined or marked.
2. Local anesthesia is injected into the skin.
3. Bulging veins are surgically removed, segment by segment, through small incisions.
4. Graduated compression stockings are worn for a week or more after surgery.

Patients can walk immediately after surgery and carry on normal daily activities. Patients must wear the graduated compression stockings as directed by their doctor.Temporary bruising and swelling in the treatment area is normal. Pain is generally minimal as long as graduated compression stockings are worn.

As with any treatment, there are risks associated it, though they are minimized in the hands of a qualified practitioner. These include:

• Temporary bruising and swelling.
• Inflammation caused by small segments of vein that remain in the skin.
• Skin numbness caused by injury to adjoining sensory nerves.
• Allergic reaction to local anesthesia.