Vascular Surgery Day

What does the procedure involve?

The team taking care of you will consist of the surgeon and 2 – 3 nurses. Varicose vein treatments consist of endovenous ablation, phlebectomy, and/or sclerotherapy. All of these are outpatient surgical procedures, are performed under local anesthesia. Light oral sedation may be added to make you more comfortable.

You will be brought into an operating room where the surgical team will begin cleaning your leg in a sterile fashion. You should not touch the sterile area. The procedure itself can last up to 3 hours depending on the complexity of your leg veins. You will feel occasional injections of the local anesthetic throughout the procedure. The local anesthetic is the only part of the surgery that should feel painful. You will notice a burning or stinging sensation that will only last a matter of seconds. During parts of the procedure, you may experience a tugging or pulling sensation but you should not have pain. If you do, be sure to let your surgical team know so additional local anesthetic can be administered.

‍What should I do before surgery?

1. You should have a light breakfast the morning of your surgery.

2. Please take all medications as you normally would the morning of your surgery.

3. YOU SHOULD CONTINUE taking all blood thinners as prescribed, unless specifically directed to

   stop by your physician.

4. Bring your compression stockings (thigh-high or pantyhose length) to the clinic with you.

5. Once day prior to surgery, we ask that you avoid alcohol, as alcohol may increase bleeding.

6. Vitamin E supplements may also increase bleeding. Other alternative medications or

   supplements that can increase bleeding include: garlic, gingko biloba, ginseng, goldenseal,

   feverfew, & saw palmetto. Please discontinue any of these supplements at least one week

   prior to your surgery.

What can I expect after surgery?

After the local anesthesia wears off, there is usually minimal pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) is frequently enough to relieve any discomfort.

Typically, you will be able to go home within an hour after the completion of your procedure. The whole experience will therefore last between 3 – 4 hours, depending on the number & complexity of varicose veins to be treated.

You should have someone to drive you home.

You will be provided detailed instructions on post-procedure care. You will need to wear your compression stockings for up to 2 weeks following the procedure.

If both legs are being treated, we will treat 1 leg at a time – separated by 1-6 weeks.

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