There are a number of surgical procedures that can be made use of to contain this condition. The method chosen depends on the recommendations of the surgeon. One of the procedures is known as ligation and stripping in which long or short saphenous veins are removed from the legs. Two cuts are then made, one at the groin and the other in the lower legs. Each cut is 4cm.
After that, the vein that is defective gets tied in a process that is called ligation. This stops any blood flow through it. A thin flexible wire is then used by the surgeon to pull out the varicose vein. The pulling out is facilitated by cuts made at the ankle or knee. This procedure is done with general anesthesia, hence patients are usually asleep.
There is also endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation. The surgeon makes a small cut close to the varicose vein. There is then insertion of a plastic tube known as a catheter. For purposes of guiding the catheter into the required position, an ultrasound scan is used. Fine lasers are then passed through the catheter into the veins. The heat produced is used to heat the wall of the vein and thus destroy it. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
In sclerotherapy, chemicals are injected into the veins, damaging and closing them in the process. Liquid sclerotherapy is utilized in the event of smaller veins below the knees. Larger ones are removed by using foam sclerotherapy. For some period after the procedure, one may be required to put on compression stockings.
Studies indicate that sclerotherapy offers short term treatment. That aside, it is associated with some very serious complications, among them strokes and nerve damage. People that might have had deep vein thrombosis in the past would need to inform the surgeon so that the safety level of ultrasound is considered. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia.
The two other procedures are phlebectomy and transilluminated powered phlebectomy. The former is used for removal of smaller surface veins and is at times done with ligation and stripping. The latter is not commonly used but is also used for removal of smaller surface veins.
Preparation for the surgery is very important. To begin with, anybody that smokes should cease before the procedure. Smoking increases risk of contracting chest infections and wounds. This is bound to considerably slow down the recovery process. The preparation also involves asking the doctor any questions involving the procedure.
In consideration of varicose vein removal nyc residents need to appreciate that the recovery process is varied. Generally, it takes about two weeks to fully recover. This period is however dependent on what type of surgical operation one undergoes. It is also varied between individuals.