Varicose veins Stripping
Varicose veins develop most frequently in your legs resulting in enlarged and sometimes twisted veins. Although they are usually not a serious medical problem, varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable.

During your consultation your surgeon may recommend surgical removal (stripping) of your varicose veins. Various types of anaesthetic may be used. Stripping usually takes about one hour on each leg.

Your consultant may mark the varicose veins to be stripped using waterproof pen. Once the anaesthetic is working, your varicose veins are taken out through a cut (incision) in your groin or at the back of your knee. Depending on the length of the vein, they may need to make several small incisions along your leg using the markings drawn earlier as a guide. Incision may be closed with stitches. Smaller incision may only need adhesive paper strips (steri-strips). Your leg will also be wrapped in a bandage that keeps pressure applied to the site. This helps reduce the risk of bleeding or excessive bruising.

Endovenous laser treatment
What happens during endovenous laser treatment?
A thin tube (a laser thread) is inserted into the vein through a small cut. The laser probe heats the vein from the inside, causing it to close. This is done with a local anaesthetic, which means the area to be treated is numbed so you won’t feel any pain. It takes about forty-five minutes to an hour for this treatment on one leg. After the treatment, you will stay in the outpatient department for one to two hours and you will wear a support bandage for seven to ten days afterwards.

Most people recover quickly from endovenous laser treatment. As with any procedure there could be complications such as:

Pain
Bruising
Scarring
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)


Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins
What happens during radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins?
Radio frequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to eliminate your varicose veins. It is usually done under local anaesthetic and takes 45 - 60 minutes. You surgeon will insert a tiny catheter through a small puncture in your lower leg. They will heat the enlarged vein causing it to shrink and close. Don’t worry, once the vein is closed blood will naturally reroute to other healthy veins. The puncture site will be bandaged and compression may be applied.

Going home after radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is usually performed on an outpatient basis meaning you will be able to go home the day of your procedure.


Many patients notice immediate relief but you should allow 1-2 weeks before you see the full benefit. Your surgeon may encourage you to walk frequently and avoid standing or sitting for long periods immediately after your procedure. You can usually return to normal activities the day after your radiofrequency ablation.

Most patients are very pleased with the results of their radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins. As with any procedure there can be complications:

Vein puncture
Blood clots
Pulmonary embolism
Phlebitis (leg inflammation)
Hematoma (collection of blood)
Infection
Burning of the skin
This procedure may not be appropriate for patients with cardiovascular problems. Be sure and discuss radiofrequency ablation with your Consultant Cardiovascular Surgeon before investigating this procedure.

Foam sclerotherapy

What happens during foam sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and as a day case procedure meaning you will go home the day of the procedure. A solution is mixed with air creating a foam. Your surgeon will inject this foam into the affected vein. If your vein is very deep, your surgeon may use ultrasound to guide the injection into the correct area.
After foam sclerotherapy
The foam begins to react immediately with the vein wall. It causes inflammation within the vein and pushes out any blood in the area. The walls of the vein become sticky and eventually close off the vein. Over several weeks or months, your varicose vein will shrink and disappear.

Immediately after the injection, our Healthcare Team will apply a pressure bandage to your leg. This is to ensure the walls of the vein are held together and prevents blood from seeping back into the vein. You will need to keep any pressure bandages in place for 12-24 hours following your procedure. You will also need to wear compression stockings for 3-4 weeks.

Your leg may be sore for a few days following foam sclerotherapy. You should remain mobile during your recovery - walking each day. Try to avoid long periods of standing, kneeling, squatting, bending or strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks. Elevate your leg when sitting for any length of time.

Be sure and discuss any return to work with your surgeon.

Most people are pleased with the results of their foam sclerotherapy. As with any procedure there could be complications:

Pain
Bleeding
Bruising
Blood clots
Specific complications from foam sclerotherapy may include:

Discolouration of the skin
Lumps under the skin
Inflammation across the vein site
Fainting
Temporary vision problems
Injections need to be repeated.