How are the veins removed?
Could the veins be removed during pregnancy?
Could I have varicosities removed from my feet?
Once the veins have been removed will they come back?
How many days do I need to take off work?
Is the operation going to be painful?
Am I going to be asleep during the procedure?
How long do I have to wear the dressings/bandages?
How long have you been removing varicose veins?
Is the operation safe?
Are there any side effects?
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many methods of removal of varicose veins described in the manuals of surgery. The method which I use is called Ambulatory Phlebectomy.
In general the removal of the veins is achieved in a very non-invasive and non traumatic way. Most of the veins can be removed through a tiny hole made by the puncture of a needle. The procedure is not painful because local anaesthetic is used beforehand.Could the veins be removed during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to remove veins during pregnancy and it is best to review the situation after the baby is born. In many cases very prominent varicosities including vulva varicosities which appeared during pregnancy might disappear within a period of time after confinement.
Nursing mothers should probably delay any intervention until lactation period is completed.
Pregnancy is a time when most of the new varicose veins appear and the old ones become considerably worse, sometimes reaching proportions almost out of control. Involvement of the vulva, inguinal area and lower abdomen is common.
The incidence of thrombosis in pregnant women with varicose veins is increased.
In pregnant women, varicose veins should be treated in a non-invasive way. Considerable improvement in leg circulation can be achieved by wearing properly fitted graduated compression maternity pantyhose. They will prevent worsening of the condition, diminish tiredness and aching of the legs and generally improve the sensation of well being and most importantly prevent dangerous clotting of the blood called thrombosis.
Could I have varicosities removed from my feet?
Results of removal of varicosities from the feet by ambulatory phlebectomy are very rewarding. This is the only acceptable method of treatment as sclerotherapy is contra indicated in this area because of the proximity of superficial veins to the deep veins. Sclerosant injected into the superficial veins could easily get to the deeper veins and cause irreparable damage to the circulation.
After the removal of abnormal foot veins, the wearing of open toed shoes becomes a reality and one does not have to hide one’s feet any longer.Once the veins have been removed will they come back?
No, they do not come back as they are physically removed. Theoretically, some new veins can appear but I haven’t seen that complication in my practice yet. The main reason for that phenomenon is that the veins are removed very gently in a cosmetic way so there is no message created for the body to reconstruct the missing veins.
How many days do I need to take off work?
One of the greatest advantages of ambulatory phlebectomy is that it does not require any time off work except on the day of the operation. Normal activities can be resumed the next day. Sunday is a normal working day for us which is frequently chosen by the patients as an alternative to a weekday because they do not have to interrupt their working arrangements and their partners can accompany them.
Is the operation going to be painful?
The great advantage of ambulatory phlebectomy is that it is completely painless. Everything is done under a local anaesthetic and the utmost care is taken to make the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The post operative period is also relatively pain free and only in a few isolated cases has the patient reported that they had taken a mild analgesia in the form of Paracetamol.
Am I going to be asleep during the procedure?
We do not induce general anaesthesia as the whole procedure is done under a local anaesthetic. Patients are welcome to have a nap if they wish and some of them do. Many patients like to read a magazine during the procedure or just enjoy friendly conversation with the Nurse.
How long do I have to wear the dressings/bandages?
The dressings are removed the following day and fashionable compression stockings are fitted by our Nurse.
How long have you been removing varicose veins?
In my surgical practice I was removing veins by high ligation and stripping, but for the past ten years I remove veins with the most modern method called ‘Ambulatory Phlebectomy’
The operation is very safe. Patients are thoroughly examined beforehand and carefully selected. Only patients who do not present any risk can have the operation performed.
A common side effect in a small proportion of cases is a varying degree of bruising which tends to disappear within a week or so.
Unpredicted side effects are related not to the procedure itself, but to the fact that the patient did not disclose to us that they have ‘needle phobia’ and as a result they feel faint, shaky, pale and their blood pressure drops. Needle phobia does not completely bar the patients from having the procedure done but the matter has to be discussed thoroughly beforehand and special steps have to be taken to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Less Frequently Asked Questions
I have had my veins stripped previously elsewhere many years ago and subsequently had about 20 sclerotherapy injections and new veins are re-appearing constantly, especially after sclerotherapy injections. Will you be able to strip my veins?
Patients who have had several surgical operations of stripping followed by multiple sclerotherapy injections will most likely find that their circulation is already seriously compromised. Further stripping and injections may result in further deterioration of the return of blood from the legs, resulting in the legs becoming swollen and puffy with bluish discoloration. If this is the case, under no circumstances should further treatment be undertaken and the best option in such a case would be to wear Grade II Surgical Compression Stockings. Sometimes no treatment is the best treatment.
Could my varicose veins be removed prior to having a knee replacement?
Orthopedic Surgeons prefer to operate in the absence of varicose veins as the risk of thrombosis is considerably diminished. Therefore it is wise to have the veins treated prior to the operation and the Orthopedic Surgeon will be a lot happier.
I live in Singapore and will soon be having a holiday in Perth. Can I have my viens treated during my stay?
We are very happy to accommodate patients from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other neighboring countries. It is only a 4 hour flight from most of these places and is no further away than the Eastern States of Australia and Northern Territory. Patients can fly back home wearing graduated compression stockings. In selected cases we can arrange accommodation for patients attending our clinic. We know that time might be a critical factor in the cases of overseas patients and we can arrange a Specialist visit to the hotel. Booking for the operation can be arranged in the shortest possible time so that the remainder of the holiday can be comfortably spent visiting Perth and the rest of our magnificent State.