Varicose Vein Surgery | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Varicose Vein Surgery

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What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins in your leg.

Varicose veins tend to run in families and are made worse by pregnancy and if you do a lot of standing.

Both legs contain a system of deep veins, which are buried within the muscles of your leg, and a system of superficial veins which run just underneath your skin.

Sometimes weaknesses in the walls of the superficial veins cause them to enlarge.

The result is a build-up of pressure in the veins, which bulge out as varicose veins.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Surgery should help prevent the symptoms and complications that varicose veins cause.

Are there any alternatives to varicose veins surgery?

Support stockings can often help the symptoms caused by varicose veins and reduce the risk of complications.

There are other treatments such as injections (foam sclerotherapy) and using radio-frequency or laser energy (endovenous ablation).

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used. The operation usually takes 20 minutes to 3 hours.

Your surgeon may disconnect the superficial veins from the deep veins through a cut on your groin or the back of your knee. They will probably make many small cuts, called avulsions or phlebectomies, along the length of the varicose veins where the veins have been marked.

The main varicose vein (the great or small saphenous vein) may need to be ‘stripped out’ using a special instrument.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on your type of work.

As long as your wounds have healed, you should be able to carry out normal activities as soon as you are comfortable.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a full recovery.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Developing a lump under your wound
Numbness or a tingling sensation
Damage to nerves
Continued varicose veins
Developing thread veins
Swelling of your leg
Major injury to the main arteries, veins or nerves of your leg

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

Varicose veins are a common problem and can lead to complications if left untreated. Support stockings can help to control symptoms but will not remove the varicose veins.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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Jade Baker

“Just had a total knee replacement at this fabulous hospital. From the moment you walk through the door you feel at ease. Everyone was so kind and caring. I was very nervous before my operation, but was soon assured everything would be fine. Thank you to all of you I met over my 4 day stay xx.”

Margaret Dawson

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Leanne Helm

“I was discharged last night following an operation on my ankle. All of the staff where polite and extremely attentive. The room was cosy and clean. Every need was catered for. I was really dreading my operation the staff managed to make my stay very pleasant. Best hospital I’ve ever been in and would highly recommend to anyone. Excellent.”

Mark Goodlad

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