Vein Removal - The Therapeutic Stripping

What Is Vein Removal?

Vein removal or vein stripping is usually done to remove the varicose veins in the legs or thighs. These veins are usually twisted and puffy and are visible to the naked eye beneath the skin. Varicose veins are usually red or purplish in color. They become visible when a person stands for prolonged periods due to increased pressure on the legs. These veins can appear in other parts of the body. Varicose vein removal is a procedure that aims to remove these veins or prevent their recurrence. Hence, vein removal is also known as vein stripping, avulsion, or ligation. Nowadays, laser or radiofrequency ablation has largely replaced varicose vein removal. These techniques are minimally invasive, safe, and more effective than vein removal.

What Are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can be present in any body part, but they are most commonly observed in the legs. Numerous veins are present in the legs, and any of them can become varicose when pressure is exerted on them for a long time. These veins appear twisted and bulged or resemble a cord. The signs and symptoms of varicose veins are listed below:

• Pain in the legs.

• The legs might feel heavy.

• Throbbing pain or burning sensation in the legs.

• Swelling and muscle cramps.

• The pain usually worsens after sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

• Irritation or itching around the veins.

• The skin color near the varicose veins might change.

Why Is Vein Removal Done?

Arteries and veins are vessels that carry blood to and away from the organs. Normally, the heart constantly pumps oxygenated blood to various body organs through the arteries. This blood is utilized by the cells and tissues of the body for metabolic activities. Veins carry the used or deoxygenated blood from various body organs to the heart. Hence, the entire mechanism of blood circulation is unidirectional. This blood flow is maintained by the valves present in the veins. The problem arises when these valves become weak or damaged. As a result, the blood pools in the veins resulting in swelling or varicose veins. The vein removal is done for the following reasons:

• Problems in the blood flow due to the veins.

• Changes in skin color or sores increase pressure on the veins.

• Presence of blood clots in the legs.

• Swelling and heaviness in the legs.

• Removal of varicose veins can improve the appearance of the legs.

• Vein removal is opted for when non-invasive procedures like laser ablation fail to produce the desired results.

• Bleeding from the veins.

How Should a Patient Prepare for Vein Removal?

Vein removal is a simple procedure wherein the patient does not have to make any special preparations before the procedure. However, the doctor usually examines the patient physically to determine the exact location of the non-working valves. Sometimes the doctor might use imaging tests like ultrasound to better access valves and veins. In addition, the doctor might perform a duplex ultrasound as it helps to check the blood flow through the affected veins. Duplex ultrasound helps the doctor to rule out the presence of blood clots in the veins. However, before the procedure, the patient must inform the doctor if the patient is taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs. This is because the patient might be asked to stop a few drugs, especially anticoagulants, before the procedure. Also, the patient's family member or friend should be there with the patient throughout the procedure to drive home. This is because the procedure is done under general anesthesia, which makes a patient unconscious for some time.

What Happens During the Vein Removal Procedure?

Vein removal is an outpatient procedure which implies that the patient need not stay in the hospital and can reach home the same day. The procedure usually gets completed in one to one and a half hours, less than the time required for a complicated surgery. The steps of the procedure are listed below:

• First, the doctor administers general or spinal anesthesia to the patient.

• The difference between general and spinal anesthesia is that the former makes one asleep throughout the procedure, whereas the latter only anesthetizes the lower part of the body. Patients with spinal anesthesia remain awake throughout the procedure.

• Some patients might feel anxious; hence the doctor might administer anti-anxiety medications to people receiving spinal anesthesia before the procedure.

• The doctor makes several small incisions near the damaged vein during the procedure.

• One incision will be made in the groin, whereas the other will be extended to the calf or ankle.

• Next, the doctor inserts a thin wire through the incision made in the groin. This wire will be tied to the legs in the vein.

• Finally, the wire will be gently pulled out through the other incision made in the legs.

• After removing the veins, the doctor closes the site with sutures or bandages. Sometimes the doctor might also place compression stockings on the legs.

What Happens After Vein Removal?

As vein removal is a surgical procedure, the patient might recover in two to three weeks. However, the recovery time depends on the number of veins removed and the veins' location. Some patients might have pain after the procedure, which gets relieved by painkillers. In addition, the doctor might ask the patient to avoid standing for three to four days after the procedure. The bandages must be removed only four days after the surgery. Patients must keep their legs elevated for a few days after the procedure. They can use a pillow for the same. The patients can resume their normal activities after four weeks.

What Are Some of the Risks or Complications of Vein Removal?

Vein removal or vein stripping is a minimally invasive and low-risk procedure. However, some patients can have the following complications:

• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic solution.

• Infections can occur at the site of infusion.

• Blood loss.

• Formation of blood clots.

• Formation of scar tissues.

• Bruising.

• Injury to the nerves.

Vein removal is not recommended for the following people:

• Pregnant females.

• Poor circulation in the legs.

• Skin infections.

• Problems related to blood clotting.

• Obesity or overweight.

Conclusion:

Vein removal is a surgical procedure aiming to reduce pressure from varicose veins. In addition, it helps one to have a better appearance of legs. This surgery also relieves one of the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. However, the patient must consult the doctor to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of vein removal surgery.