What Is Phlebectomy?
A phlebectomy is the surgical removal of varicose veins that have become unsightly or uncomfortable. Your doctor may recommend a phlebectomy to treat symptoms of varicose veins, such as leg pain and heaviness. A phlebectomy can also help prevent related problems, such as skin sores, leg swelling, bleeding, and blood clots in the legs. A phlebectomy can also improve your appearance.
Types of Phlebectomy
The types of phlebectomy, or vein removal, procedures include:
- Ambulatory phlebectomy (also called micro-incision phlebectomy, hook phlebectomy) involves removing portions of varicose veins through small incisions using a hook. It is usually performed in a doctor’s office using local anesthetic.
- Transilluminated powered phlebectomy removes portions of varicose veins using tools that are inserted into the skin near the veins. They include a lighted tool that gives the doctor a good view of the vein’s location. It also includes a tool that breaks up the vein and suctions it out of the leg.
This type of phlebectomy is usually performed using general or regional anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. It might require fewer incisions and you may have a shorter recovery time than ambulatory phlebectomy.
Why is a Phlebectomy performed?
Your doctor may recommend a phlebectomy to treat varicose veins near the surface of the skin. Your doctor may recommend a phlebectomy if your varicose veins are large, protruding, unsightly, uncomfortable, or put you at risk for more serious problems.
Veins carry the blood from your body back to your heart. Valves in veins help keep blood flowing back to your heart. When valves become damaged or weakened, blood can pool in your veins causing them to swell and weaken. This results in varicose veins. Varicose veins can look blue, twisted and bulging, and feel uncomfortable. Varicose veins most often occur in the thighs and calves, most often in women.
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