Understanding varicose vein surgery

Being told that you need to go in for surgery can be a frightening experience, especially if you don’t really understand what the procedure will entail. So if your vascular surgeon has recommended varicose veins surgery, here is a breakdown on what you can expect during the procedure, and how exactly the surgery is going to help you.

What is varicose vein surgery and why is it performed?

Varicose vein surgery refers to the method of surgically removing varicose veins. This used to be the gold standard method for treating varicose veins for many decades. Generally, varicose veins occur in the thighs and calves and appear as twisted or bulging lumps under the skin. Many people seek out treatment for these veins due to their appearance, but they can also feel uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as aching, soreness and cramping. There are also health risks involved with varicose veins, including the possibility of ulceration.

Varicose vein surgery used to be the mainstay of treatment for varicose veins prior to the development of endovenous treatments. Surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. However, there are now other less invasive treatment options available including endovenous laser treatment, endovenous radio frequency ablation and Venaseal Glue. However, in certain situations these techniques may not be suitable – this will be where a varicose veins surgeon may recommend the procedure of traditional ‘open varicose veins surgery’.

What to expect during the procedure

It’s a good idea to understand what is going to occur during your surgery, as it will help to relieve some of your nerves leading up to it. Generally, your surgery experience will follow these steps:

1. Varicose veins surgery is done as an inpatient in a hospital and requires a general anaesthetic. Therefore your surgeon will arrange the admission and advise you on fasting instructions and advice about your medications prior to the admission. Your varicose veins surgeon will discuss your procedure in detail as part of informed consent, which should be done in the consulting rooms prior to booking your procedure.
2. After your admission to hospital, you will be taken to the ‘holding bay’ to wait for your procedure. Your varicose veins surgeon will see you here before the surgery begins. He or she will discuss the procedure and allow time for any questions you may have. The anaesthetist will also see you here.
3. Your vascular surgeon will mark the veins needing treatment with a marking pen, so they can be easily located during surgery.
4. You will then be moved to the operating theatre and the anaesthetist will administer a general anaesthetic.
5. While you are asleep, the vascular surgeon will then clean, sterilise and isolate the area with a surgical drape.
6. The operation will be performed to remove the faulty veins, as discussed by your vascular surgeon. Usually, dissolvable stitches are used to close the open wound in the groin or behind the knee. Dressings are also applied to the wounds and bandages or compression stockings are usually placed over these.
7. You will wake up in recovery once the procedure has finished. Your vascular surgeon will see you in recovery to let you know how the operation went.
8. After a period of monitoring in the recovery ward, you will then be moved to the day procedure centre (if admitted as a day case) or to the ward (if staying overnight).

Hopefully understanding the process of varicose veins surgery has made you more comfortable with your upcoming procedure, and helped to put you at ease. If you have any further questions about the process or what some other treatment options may be, always be sure to contact your vascular surgeon as they will be able to provide you with information relating to your specific condition and requirements.