Operation of extended veins – vein ligation and stripping

Ligation and stripping veins are the professional names for surgeries that treat extended veins. Ligation means a surgical lacing of a large vein of the leg, called a vein safen, and stripping means removing a vein through a cut on the groin or on the back of the knee. If one part of the vein is in good condition (functional), that part of the vein can be tied. If the vein is not in its full length, it is tied and removed. Removing a large vein of safine is done in order to reduce the blood pressure that returns to the smaller veins that are being poured into it. The operation lasts about 2 hours. It is most often necessary to spend one night at the hospital.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

• This operation is most often used to treat extended veins of the vein. It can also be used to prevent the appearance of repeated venous ulceration (open wounds).

• For aesthetic and cosmetic reasons, you want to remove extended veins, and you do not have any other associated illnesses that can put you at risk during surgery.

• For the purpose of treatment in case your legs hurt, or is swollen, you feel the weight in them (especially after a long standing), when open wounds (ulcerations) result in open veins (bleeding) or when the vein is damaged at the level of the knee or thigh .

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• It is performed under conditions of general anesthesia (you will not be conscious during the operation).

• It is performed by introducing a special probe into a previously laced, surface vein through a small cut on the skin. With the help of a vein, the veins are “extracted”. As a rule, there will be two small, almost imperceptible scars on the upper and lower end of the removed veins.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• As with any operation, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.

• There is a risk of scarring after surgery or re-occurrence of enlarged veins.

• After removing large veins of the leg (vein safen) at the knee level, damage to the nerve (nerves) can occur and the sensation of numbness of that part of the body develops.

PREPARATION

• In consultation with your doctor, you should stop using blood-clotting medications (Aspirin, Plavix, Clopidix and others).

• Do not eat and drink 12 hours before surgery (night before surgery), you can drink your medication with a small amount of water.

• Do not place creams, lotions and other cosmetic preparations on the day of surgery on your feet.

RECOVERY

• It is most often necessary to spend one night at the hospital (if needed longer). It takes 2-8 weeks for complete recovery.

• It is necessary to wear compressive socks that prevents bleeding, the appearance of the swelling and discoloration (color change) of the skin 2-6 weeks after surgery.

• It is recommended that you walk after surgery, ride a bike or exercise (yoga or tai chi) in order to prevent the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the leg. When laying your legs you should be above your heart level (you need to do this for 15 minutes at least twice a day), and when sitting, it is necessary to have your feet raised (in a small chair or other piece of furniture).

• You should monitor whether there is a redness, a swelling, or other signs of infection after surgery.