Varicose Vein Surgery

Endovenous ablation therapy

In ablation or laser therapy, the large internal varicose vein is punctured, preferably in the lower leg. A catheter is inserted into the groin. With the help of the heat source, the blood vessel is closed and burned from the inside. The body then cleans up the remains of the deactivated blood vessel. This may take several weeks. In this way, the vein can be removed over the entire leg. Finally, the remaining side branches are removed via small stab wounds with a hook.

Classic stripping

This technique used to be applied as a standard. An incision is made in the groin to search for the varicose vein. Then a second small incision is made on the lower leg, where the varicose vein is also searched for. The varicose vein is opened and a stripper is inserted. A stripper is a fine plastic catheter. This is attached to the varicose vein to allow us to remove the entire varicose vein from the leg. Finally, the remaining side branches are removed with a hook through small puncture wounds.

What does an operation involve

The procedure is performed at the day hospital. You can choose between a full anaesthetic or an epidural in which only both legs are numbed. After the operation, a surgeon will visit the room to check the wounds. The wounds are treated and a support stocking is put on. You will receive a prescription for this at the consultation.

What to expect after the procedure?

Varicose vein surgery is usually not too bad. Fortunately, complications after the procedure are infrequent. After discharge, you can do almost all of your activities as usual. We do ask you to

• rest on time and put your legs up for a while;
• avoid prolonged standing or sitting still;
• take a painkiller on time if necessary;
• avoid sun exposure as long as the scars have a purple colour;
• wear a support stocking for 4 weeks;
• have a wound check performed by the doctor after 10 days;
• see the surgeon for a check-up after 4 weeks.

Possible problems after the operation are:

• The wounds may bleed a little. Do not remove the adhesive patches. Rest with your leg elevated and apply an additional pressure bandage if necessary. If the result is insufficient, contact your attending surgeon.
• Bruising and harder lumps are almost always present. It may take several weeks before they are completely gone. These can also be painful. This is not phlebitis and does not require additional treatment.
• The procedure may cause some injury to the superficial cutaneous nerves, which may cause a tingling feeling. This will gradually heal. In rare cases, a larger sensory nerve may also be injured. It is best to discuss this with your attending surgeon.
• Contact the attending physician or general practitioner if you have
  • pronounced pain;
• pronounced bruising;
• prolonged bleeding;
• signs of infection: redness, loss of dirty fluid, fever
• shortness of breath