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The Varicose Vein Ligation Procedure
A doctor must determine if varicose vein ligation is the right procedure for any person with varicose veins. There are several factors a doctor will use to determine if a patient is eligible for varicose vein ligation and if this treatment option is the best course of action. If a patient wants to get rid of varicose veins, and the surgery would not risk more damage than good, the ligation procedure might be a good choice. Symptoms of varicose veins include swelling in the legs, as well as pain and a feeling of heaviness.
Open sores can also develop because of the swelling and pooling blood associated with varicose veins. The most basic cause of varicose veins is vein damage, and occurs because the deep veins which are designed to push the blood up toward the heart and lungs can begin to wear out. The result can be veins which bulge and cause the unsightly physical symptoms of varicose veins.
The Procedure
Varicose vein ligation, which is also known as varicose vein stripping, consists of small incisions used to remove the damaged parts of the vein and reconnect the vein in a different place to help the blood flow normally. The process involves slicing the vein to release the pressure and tying the vein off to prevent future swelling. Varicose vein ligation is an office or outpatient procedure, since most often patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Success Rate
Only about a tenth of patients who receive a varicose vein ligation have further problems from the disorder. For people who have had skin ulcers from varicose veins, and underwent varicose vein ligation as a result, 86% found no recurrence in the ulcers. Conversely, people who used compression therapy for treatment of their skin ulcers saw only a 72% success rate from this procedure.
Risks
The risk to the patient from varicose vein ligation surgery is similar to those of any other minor surgery. Risks can include abnormal bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Additional risks to the patient include disrupted blood flow and numbness, especially if the vein undergoing ligation is the largest in the leg known as great saphenous vein. Varicose vein ligation surgery is considered minor surgery and is only offered to patients that are healthy enough for surgery. The procedure is quick, carries little risk, and is highly successful in providing a solution to the ailment. Most patients may return to work after a few days, and resume all activity in a matter of weeks.
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