The most common therapy so far is the surgical removal of the affected veins. With a special instrument the varicose vein is threaded on and pulled out (called stripping). Consequentially the damaging reflux is stopped and the blood can now use one of the many healthy, neighboring veins instead for the transport of the blood back to the heart.
Procedure
The operation is carried out in a clinic under spinal or general anaesthesia.
Stripping of the vena saphena magna
The groin is opened with an incision of approximately 2 cm in length. The VSM needs to be isolated, its side branches set off and finally removed. The vena saphena magna itself is cut at the junction into the deep vein and its main trunk closed up. The stripper (a special instrument) is inserted into the vena saphena magna and used to finally removed the affected vein from the groin up to just below the knee joint. In particular cases the vein is removed up to the inner ankle. The side branches are pulled out with the so called phlebectomy. Finally, the groin is closed and a temporary compression bandage is applied.
Post-Treatment
For 1 week, compression stockings need to be worn to avoid bruising, haematoma and oedema.
Risks and Side Effects
Bruises (Haematoma) occur most frequently as well as indurations which in most cases disappear within a few days or weeks. Lesions of the nerves occur frequently that lead to irritations in specific sections of the skin. They, however, normally dissappear in a few weeks to months.
