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The Benefits of Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Blog Author March 26, 2016
A leading treatment of moderate to severe varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure that can be accomplished with a minimum of discomfort and virtually no “down time.” This treatment option has become extremely popular at among vein doctors and specialized vein clinics such as Florida’s Kimmel Institute.  

Varicose Veins and Vein Disease

  Described by the Mayo Clinic as veins that have become gnarled and enlarged, varicose veins most commonly occur in the legs and feet.   Many people choose to seek medical attention for this condition for purely cosmetic reasons…and who can blame them. These unsightly blue devils leave embarrassing and often bulging marks on otherwise healthy skin. However, varicose veins may also be an indication of other circulatory problems that place can patients at a high risk of loosing life or limb. You should definitely consult your doctor if your varicose veins are accompanied by one or more of the following:
  • Sharp pain
  • Severe itching, burning, or throbbing
  • Sores, ulcers, or other open wounds
  In the past, the only medical treatment for varicose veins was complete surgical removal. Known as “vein stripping,” this procedure is quite invasive, requires extensive recovery time, and often results in significant amounts of bruising and pain. Today, however, this practice is largely obsolete as patients can choose among a number of less invasive and more effective treatment options.  

What Is Ambulatory Phlebectomy and What Are Its Benefits?

  Performed in the medical office under local anesthesia, ambulatory phlebectomy is recommended for patients with varicose veins that are considerably large and swollen. Like vein stripping, this procedure endeavors to remove the diseased vein in its entirety. Unlike vein stripping, it replaces a few large incisions with a series of tiny incisions that run along the length of the vein. These 1 to 2 millimeter cuts then allow the damaged vein to be teased out with surgical hooks. Ambulatory phlebectomy works best when performed on veins that are located close to the skin’s surface. This outpatient surgical procedure can be accomplished with only local anesthesia.   In addition to helping patients avoid a costly and uncomfortable visit to the hospital, ambulatory phlebectomy offers excellent medical and cosmetic results with little pain and extremely short recovery times. Due to their exceedingly small size, the incisions associated with this procedure require no stitches and produce only light scaring that is nearly invisible.   Offering a range of varicose vein and vein disease treatments, the Florida vein treatment specialists at the Kimmel Institute have a wealth of experience with the ambulatory phlebectomy procedure. A Kimmel medical professional would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about this state-of-the-art vein treatment.