Introduction:
Vein ligation and stripping is a minor procedure to remove varicose veins. These are deformed, bulged veins close to the exterior portion of the skin. They are mostly seen in the legs and ankles. The procedure can also prevent venous skin ulcers from returning post-treatment.
What Is Vein Ligation?
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Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical method utilized to clear veins that are hardly impaired in the legs, which induces venous insufficiency or varicose vein. After removing the impaired vein, other veins in the body will make up the function to permit blood flow in that region of the legs.
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Vein ligation and stripping are commonly executed for removing the saphenous vein from the leg as a step of the therapy for varicose veins. It includes binding off the impaired saphenous vein and then stripping or clearing the whole vein from the leg via a tiny incision in the groin and more inferior leg. Patients can leave the hospital on the exact day with a short recovery time.
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Varicose veins appear when blood is pumped back to the heart pools at the inner part of a vein, generating congestion and enlargement. Varicose veins are often swollen, shady purple, or blue, similar to big ropes or a bunch of grapes. In numerous patients, varicose veins generate manifestations like leg pain, itching, beating, massiveness, fatigue, or inflammation. A comprehensive ultrasound examination of the legs will ensure the varicose veins. As in most cases of varicose veins has no severe health risk, therapies typically desire to remove the vein's unattractive impression and enhance manifestation.
How Is Preoperative Evaluation Done in Vein Ligation?
A thorough examination is done before the procedure. Patients are selected for the surgical procedure if they have
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Intense venous insufficiency.
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Big varicose vein.
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Cases having ulcers on the skin or at higher risk of developing skin ulcers.
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Severe pain or heaviness in the legs occurs frequently.
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Their work culture requires more standing time.
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The affected superficial veins are associated with deep ones.
In certain cases, surgeons may opt for other options than surgery. They include,
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Older patients.
Cases of any serious medical history or any medical condition that improves the complication and risk of the surgery.
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Cases which has limited or reduced blood circulation to the legs.
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Swelling is present at the site of the varicose vein.
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Presence of skin infection.
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Risk of blood clot formation.
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Pregnant patient.
Initially, the patient is asked to consult a vascular surgeon to take a thorough medical history and discuss all the issues related to venous insufficiency and the manifestations of varicose veins. They include an assessment of the legs and an examination for other manifestations, like swelling, skin discoloration, or varicose veins. Any manifestations that are not easily detectable, like irritation on the skin or aches, are informed by the doctor.
An ultrasound scanning is also done to view the vein. A tiny handheld transducer on the upper part of the skin to view the images of the veins on the inner part of the legs. These ultrasound results will guide the doctor with a proper treatment plan, thus, a better postoperative outcome.
How Is the Vein Ligation Procedure Done?
Before Surgery:
Vein ligation and stripping is a small surgical procedure. In most cases, patients can leave the hospital following the procedure. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. Thus preparation for surgery should be strictly followed by the patient as directed by the surgeon. These involve-
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The patient is asked to fast from midnight to the same day of the procedure.
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Certain medications should be stopped before the procedure.
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In the case of smoking patients, they are allowed to quit at least one day before the procedure.
During Surgery:
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The surgery will take an average of one to two hours. The surgeon will create two minor incisions, 1 in the groin region on the upper portion of the affected vein and another incision in the thigh part or calf part at the inferior portion of the vein.
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The surgeon will close the upper portion of the vein to block the blood flow. A light, adjustable appliance will be incorporated via the affected vein. The surgeon will utilize the machine to pull the whole vein out via the incision at the lower portion of the vein.
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After clearing the vein, the surgeon will close the incisions and place bandages. The surgeon may make extra incisions to clear those harmed veins if additional varicose veins are present in the identical leg. This process is known as phlebectomy or micro phlebectomy procedure and can be accomplished together as a vein stripping procedure and ligation surgery procedure.
Following the procedure, the surgeon will place gauze and an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) compression wrap on the treated leg. Then the patient is shifted to the recovery room. The surgeon will provide compression socks the following day after the dressings come off.
Vein ligation and stripping is a reduced-risk surgical procedure that is secure for most cases. Nevertheless, like all surgical procedures, this also has some risks.
The considerable typical risks involve:
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Infection occurs following the surgery.
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Bleeding is a common complication.
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Formation of blood clots.
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Scarring at the region of surgery or bruising occurs in the surgical area.
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Damage to the nerves appears in the vein.
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Any allergy or any reaction occurs to anesthesia.
What Are the Post-Surgical Measures of Vein Ligation?
When the leg is healing, the patient is asked to wear compression stockings for about four weeks. Healing of the vein depends on the site of the affected vein and the number of the affected vein.
What Are the Manifestation of Vein Ligation Healing?
There will be slight pain after the vein ligation and stripping procedure. If needed patient can take painkillers to reduce the pain. The pain relieves as the wound heals.
Certain bruises will develop post-surgically. It will take around three weeks to heal. Then it will take up to three weeks to dissolve the stitches.
Conclusion:
Vein ligation and stripping surgical procedures have an increased success rate. Most cases who have done this method do not require any extra therapy for venous sufficiency. Nevertheless, the patient may require further phlebectomy or a micro phlebectomy process to clear the varicose veins in the legs. By this time, there is a chance of generating venous insufficiency or varicose veins in other veins. If that occurs, the patient might require further therapy, such as compression socks or additional surgery.
