phone icon

Our Blog

HomeAmbulatory PhlebectomyAmbulatory Phlebectomy for the Treatment of Varicose Veins

Ambulatory Phlebectomy for the Treatment of Varicose Veins

Blog Author March 7, 2017
People with small varicose veins and delicate spider veins may complain about the way that these conditions disfigure otherwise attractive legs, but people with serious varicose vein problems face more pressing concerns. Both a cause and a symptom of venous insufficiency, severe cases of varicose veins represent significant blood flow issues that can lead to severe pain and loss of mobility. The worst cases of venous insufficiency can even result in loss of life and limb. Consult a medical professional at once if your varicose veins cause you significant pain or cause you to develop ulcers or open sores on your skin.  

Severe Cases of Varicose Veins Call for Special Treatment

  It stands to reason that larger varicose veins typically cause more issues than smaller ones. Because the human body relies on your leg veins to pump blood upwards, the failure of a larger vein inevitably causes more blood to pool in the lower extremities. Larger varicose veins also tend to correlate with more pronounced symptoms including aching, throbbing, swelling, itching, and burning.   A relatively noninvasive outpatient procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy has proven particularly effective in treating large, painful, and problematic veins that bulge above the surface of the skin. Modern ambulatory phlebectomy practices began in 1956 when Swiss dermatologist Dr. Robert Muller created new instruments and modalities based on ancient predecessors that date back to 45 CE. Today, the procedure is performed by thousands of medical professional around the world.  

The Ambulatory Phlebectomy Process

  As described by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the ambulatory phlebectomy procedure is completed in three general stages. First, the surgical team outlines or marks the veins to be treated. Then local anesthesia is injected into the skin near these veins. Finally, the surgeon removes targeted veins using multiple 1 to 2-millimer incisions and special surgical hooks.   Although the procedure is minimally invasive and requires limited recovery time, ambulatory phlebectomy patients must wear compression stockings for at least a week after surgery. This specialized form of medical hosiery maximizes blood flow and speeds the healing process. As long as they keep their compression stockings on, patients should experience only short-term bruising and minimal pain. Normal walking and daily activities can be resumed immediately after surgery.   Offering a range of varicose vein treatments, Dr. Richard Kimmel and the team of specialists at the Kimmel Institute can help determine if the ambulatory phlebectomy procedure is right for you. For more information about the benefits and risks of ambulatory phlebectomy, contact the Kimmel Institute today.