Vein Ligation and Stripping

Vein Ligation and Stripping

Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical procedure used to treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It is more invasive than other treatment options such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, or ambulatory phlebectomy. The procedure involves cutting and tying off (ligating) the problematic vein, and then removing (stripping) sections of it. Vein ligation and stripping is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia.

The process of vein ligation and stripping usually includes the following steps:

Preparation: The patient is placed under general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort and relaxation during the procedure.

Ligation: The surgeon makes a small incision near the groin or behind the knee, depending on the location of the affected vein. The problematic vein, usually the great saphenous vein or the small saphenous vein, is identified and tied off (ligated) to prevent blood flow. This prevents blood from pooling in the varicose veins downstream.

Stripping: Another small incision is made further down the leg, near the ankle or calf, depending on the length of the vein to be removed. A thin, flexible instrument called a vein stripper is inserted through the lower incision and threaded up the vein until it reaches the upper incision, where the vein has been ligated. The vein stripper is then attached to the vein, and the surgeon carefully pulls the stripper back out through the lower incision, removing the vein along with it.

Closure: The incisions are closed using sutures, and the leg is wrapped in a compression bandage to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling, but these symptoms generally subside within a few weeks. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks.

It’s important to note that vein ligation and stripping is now less commonly performed due to the availability of less invasive treatment options, such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy, which generally have lower complication rates and quicker recovery times. However, vein ligation and stripping may still be recommended in certain cases where other treatments are deemed unsuitable or have not provided satisfactory results.