Conventional surgery
For many years surgery has been the mainstay of treatments for varicose veins but newer treatments are quite quickly replacing it. Surgery involves a cut, commonly in the groin but sometimes behind the knee. The leaking vein is then isolated and divided from the main deep vein. Following this a plastic wire is passed down the vein and the vein then tied onto one end of it. The end of the plastic wire is then brought out through the skin and the vein is pulled (stripped) out. This is followed by small cuts on the lower legs where the varicose vein bulges are and these veins pulled out piecemeal (avulsions). This technique is commonly referred to as a high tie and stipping.
Pros and Cons of Surgery
Pros: Surgery such as this has been performed for many years and therefore has a proven track record. Its long term results are good in the hands of specialists, with only around 10% of patients requiring further surgery even after 10 years. As the veins are physically removed, once the pain and bruising has settled, patients usually experience satisfactory relief of their symptoms.
Cons: This procedure is relatively uncomfortable and certainly requires a general anaesthetic. It is often performed as a daycase but some patients who are having more extensive surgery may require admission overnight. There can be quite extensive bruising which may takes some weeks to settle. Patients usually require 2 weeks off work to recover.
