Vein Stripping and Ligation

Vein Stripping

This is a surgical procedure to remove veins done under general or local anesthesia. A few small incisions will be made and the vein is removed with a thin, plastic wire tool. Vein stripping treats varicose veins and other chronic vein diseases. When veins become twisted and damaged, removal is often the best treatment available.

Vein Ligation

Ligation is a procedure to stop bleeding or blood flow by tying off blood vessels. This prevents blood pooling and further vein damage. It is often used at the same time a vein stripping procedure is performed. Vein ligation is minimally invasive.

Vein stripping and ligation procedures provide numerous benefits. The most important benefit is reduced pain and discomfort to the patient. Varicose veins cause aching, throbbing, and soreness due to excess pressure on the surrounding tissue. This can be reduced or completely treated with vein treatment surgery.

Benefits of vein stripping include:

• Pain relief
• Low-risk procedure
• Minimal scarring
• Ulcer improvement
• Less chance of blood clots
• No more bleeding from veins
• Quick recovery time

The process for vein stripping and ligation is usually done on an outpatient basis. For both procedures, local or general anesthesia will be given. The entire procedure generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. In the case of a complicated vein stripping and ligation patient, the surgery may take longer.

Your vascular surgeon will make tiny incisions at the top and bottom of the vein. The swollen and damaged veins are removed using a special tool that will be tied to the vein to pull it out. The veins will be tied off if necessary.

The cuts will be closed with a few sutures and you will need to wear bandages and compression wear while healing.

Before your surgery, you will undergo an examination to find where your damaged veins are located. An ultrasound may be used to give your surgeon a better view of your veins. Duplex scans provide even clearer images and even show blood flow.

Let your doctor know about any allergies you may have and about all prescription and over-the-counter medication you take. Some medications will need to be stopped leading up to and right after treatment.

Arrange for someone to drive you to and home from the vein stripping procedure. Anesthesia will make it unsafe for you to drive yourself.

Recovery from vein stripping and ligation may take between 2 and 4 weeks. If you had a more complex surgery, the recovery time may be extended.

• Take the prescribed pain medication your doctor gives you
• Stay off your feet for 3 to 4 days post-surgery
• Keep your legs elevated
• Don’t remove bandages for at least 4 days
• By week 4 you should be able to return to regular activies

While vein stripping and ligation is a safe, low-risk procedure there is always risk with any surgical procedure.

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Nerve injury

If you live in Nashville, you can find the Vein Centre in Belle Meade across the street from the Kroger off of Harding Pike. Finally, if you live closer to Mt. Juliet, you can find your local Vein Centre in the Tristar Summit Medical Plaza off of Mt. Juliet Road across from Publix.

Visit our locations page or give us a call if you need any help finding the Vein Centre near you. Give us a call and make an appointment today.