STRIPPING OF THE LONG SAPHENOUS VEIN:
Stripping is the surgical removal of a vein. It is the recommended treatment when the long saphenous vein is varicose.
The long saphenous vein is located along the inner aspect of the leg from ankle to groin.
If on examination the long saphenous vein is found to be varicose, a referral for surgical removal will be arranged. This procedure can be performed under local anesthetic or general anesthesia. Admission and discharge from the hospital is on the same day unless other conditions related to your health indicate a longer stay.
The surgery will involve two incisions; one in the groin and one just below the knee. After surgery your leg(s) may be wrapped with tenser bandages.
Your immediate postoperative care should be discussed with your surgeon. We recommend the continued use of support stockings and a daily brisk walk of one mile. Removal of stitches, if necessary, will be done in the surgeon's office and arrangements must be made through that office.
One month after surgery we recommend a follow-up visit to this clinic for re-assessment and sclerotherapy for the remaining varices.
LIGATION OF THE SHORT SAPHENOUS VEIN:
Ligation is the surgical tying of a vein. It is recommended as the initial treatment for the short saphenous vein. The short saphenous vein is located along the back of the calf, extending from the outside of the ankle to the back of the knee.
If on examination, the short saphenous vein is found to be varicose, a referral for surgical ligation will be discussed.
This procedure can be performed only under general anesthetic, which would mean admission to the hospital in the morning and release from the hospital later the same day.
LIGATION OF THE LONG SAPHENOUS VEIN:
On occasion, the "top-most" valve of the long saphenous vein becomes incompetent. In this case, a ligation is indicated, as the ligation will protect the long saphenous vein from becoming varicose. This procedure is usually done under local anesthetic.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE AFTER LIGATION:
Post-operative care will be the same as for the stripping with follow-up assessment at this clinic one week after surgery.
