VARICOSE VEIN REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of varicose veins.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Diseased veins in the legs, usually in the greater and lesser saphenous veins, the largest veins in the lower body.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Improvement of blood circulation in the legs and feet.
• Relief of painful symptoms.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress; obesity; smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Adults over 60.
• Poor nutrition.
• History of phlebitis (blood clots).

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Vascular or general surgeon; plastic surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA-Spinal anesthesia (See Glossary) or general anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made over the top of the saphenous-femoral vein system (See Glossary).
• The large, diseased veins are identified. The upper and lower ends of each diseased vein are cut and tied. An instrument is passed through the vein, beginning at the ankle and extending upward through the inside of the entire vein and tied. The entire vein is stripped.
• After the main veins have been removed, smaller veins are identified, incisions are made and the smaller veins are tied individually and removed.
• The skin is closed with sutures, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• The legs are wrapped snugly in elastic bandages.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Inadvertent injury to nearby arteries or nerves.
• Deep-vein blood clots (rare).
• Recurrence of varicose veins.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-3 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 11 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep-vein blood clots. Wear elastic compression stockings for 4--6 weeks.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 2-1/2 to 3 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when able.

DIET-Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• Your foot becomes cold, numb or discolored.
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.