Varicose Vein Surgery
Should you require surgery to treat your varicose veins, there are a number of surgical and minimally invasive procedures available. All are safe, effective, and have been successfully resolving varicose vein issues for many years. Board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Edward G. Mackay of Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC in Tampa Bay, Florida, is happy to discuss your situation and explain which procedure may be right for you.
When you undergo a procedure that completely removes the problematic vein from your body – as with vein stripping or a phlebectomy – the results are immediate. However, some post-surgical swelling or bruising is to be expected, so you may not notice the treatment results until you have fully recovered from the procedure, which can take 2-4 weeks.
Vein Stripping Surgery
Vein stripping is the common name given to the conventional surgical procedure to treat varicose veins. Incisions are made at both ends of the varicose vein, the vein is surgically tied off at either end and then removed, or “stripped.” This takes place in a hospital or surgery center and requires the use of general anesthesia so that a patient is not awake during the procedure.
The procedure has two primary goals: (1) stopping the backward blood flow in the greater saphenous vein and its tributaries; and (2) eliminating the unsightly and protruding varicose veins – all through two small incisions. If possible, Dr. Mackay will leave the saphenous vein in case it is needed later for a heart bypass or similar operation.
Vein stripping is used less often now, due to the success and minimally invasive techniques of laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and newer methods like vein glue (VenaSeal).
Phlebectomy
A phlebectomy surgically removes the varicose vein entirely. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s office using local anesthesia.
At Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC, a foamy solution will be injected into the varicose vein to close it off and seal it. Then, using only small punctures the size of pen points, your vascular surgeon will remove portions of the varicose vein using a small hook-like surgical instrument. Dr. Mackay’s own patented hook device is used for this procedure.
A phlebectomy is typically performed to remove big varicose veins that are located near the surface of the skin. You should not feel a thing during the procedure, and no stiches are required afterward. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as a microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy, hook phlebectomy, or stab avulsion phlebectomy. Typically, the procedure takes about one hour to complete.
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
For this procedure, an endoscope – a small, flexible tube containing a tiny video camera and other instruments – is threaded into your vein through a small incision in the skin. Dr. Mackay utilizes tiny surgical instruments through the endoscope to close the varicose vein. This type of surgery may be used when varicose veins are causing open sores on the legs. Patients can often return to their regular activities a few weeks after this procedure.
Is Varicose Vein Surgery Right for You?
There are many things to consider when weighing your varicose vein treatment options. This may include whether the procedure is most effective for your unique situation, as well as the potential complications of each procedure. If you have tried home therapies for your varicose veins and still have chronic leg pain and swelling or if your symptoms interfere with your daily life, it may be time for surgery.
Find out which varicose vein surgery may work best for you by calling the office of board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Mackay at (727) 781-5652 – or request an appointment now.
Dr. Mackay is a renowned, sought-after expert in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous diseases. We have three convenient locations in the Tampa Bay area from which to serve you: in Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Largo, Florida.
