What You Should Know about Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Varicose veins have been troubling people for decades. This problem has been addressed by physicians for long enough now that vein specialists have discovered several ways to deal with bulging, painful veins. Not too long ago, one of the common methods of treatment was to remove the main vein in the leg. This procedure was referred to as vein stripping. Today, vein removal is performed using what is called ambulatory phlebectomy. If the vein is removed, though, isn’t it still just vein stripping? It isn’t. Here’s what you need to know about the way a vein specialist will go about alleviating severe symptoms caused by varicose veins.

Vein Stripping had Problems

Vein stripping used to be conducted in a hospital setting. The patient would receive general anesthesia for this procedure. To remove the vein, a surgeon would make an incision in the groin area and another at the lower leg. Tools were used to hook the vein and pull it through incisions. In addition to risks associated with general anesthesia, vein stripping as it was conducted years ago also incurred more side effects, which could make recovery a lengthier process.

What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy?

Ambulatory phlebectomy is the modern alternative to vein stripping. Doctors perform this procedure in the office now rather than in an operating room. Patients can undergo ambulatory phlebectomy with a local anesthetic that numbs the skin and tissue around the vein. To remove the vein, the doctor makes a few incisions along the length of the leg. The addition of small incisions decreases tissue trauma because the vein is removed in small segments rather than a few large segments. Incisions are so small that they do not require stitches to close, only a small dressing over each. Patients can resume most normal activities immediately after their procedure, except for any exercise that is more strenuous than walking.

Nonfunctioning veins create several problems. They are unattractive and cause self-consciousness for many people. Furthermore, varicose veins can become quite uncomfortable as they worsen. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe and effective procedure that is frequently performed by double board-certified surgeon Dr. Dormu. To learn more about the vein treatments available in our Laurel, MD office, call (855) 803-MIVC (6482)