During a vein operation (varicose vein operation), abnormally altered veins are surgically removed. A wire probe is inserted through an incision in the groin or the back of the knee, with the help of which the affected vein section or the entire vein is severed and pulled out.
Furthermore, side branches can be removed via small incisions.
Vein Surgery – Synonyms & Principle
synonyms: varicose vein surgery, vein stripping
principle:
Removal of defective veins by making incisions on the leg or groin, with or without sclerotherapy
is often combined with…
- vein sclerotherapy (possible in one session, but also one after the other and complementary)
efficiency
Every operation can bring about a certain improvement in the situation. The weeks following the operation show how well the measures taken ultimately work.
Since venous insufficiency/tissue weakness is a fundamental problem, follow-up treatments are advisable and should be planned at regular intervals of one to several years.
A supplementary treatment (especially for spider veins) is possible at any time in the form of vein sclerotherapy
treatment duration
On average, vein surgery takes between 30 and 120 minutes
repetition of the treatment
There is usually a predisposition - therefore, repeating the treatment may be necessary and useful. A supplement/alternative may also be vein sclerotherapy
Application in which body region
thighs, lower legs, sometimes also the back of the foot
decision-making aids
Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat constitute a vein operation.
Should I have a vein operation do it at all? – Sometimes it is better not to do something at all. Or to look for alternatives
Good advice highlights all the advantages and disadvantages of a treatment – and thus helps you make the right decision:
However, since in most cases it is primarily a medical problem, and swollen or even open legs are a consequence of long-standing vein problems, the decision to undergo treatment or surgery should usually be made with caution.
extent
Before treatment, an imaging examination of the leg vessels should always be carried out. On the one hand, to get an accurate picture of the situation. On the other hand, to rule out a past or current thrombosis (=blood clot in the vein). We will give you the appropriate referral to a radiologist.
cuts
During the operation, incisions are necessary (some of them very small, but still). Many of them are only a few millimeters long. A groin incision - if necessary - can also be a few centimeters long. A precise concept can be created based on the imaging.
Operating – or would you rather desolate it?
Ultimately, it is always an individual decision. Both methods are usually available. And each patient will assess the advantages and disadvantages of the methods differently.
season
We recommend the cold season. This also makes logical sense. In winter, the legs are usually covered anyway when you wear longer clothing. In summer, the risk of pigment changes after surgery and bruising is also higher.
Therefore, clear recommendation:
Varicose vein surgery is best done in late autumn/winter/spring
What should you have heard/read about varicose veins before undergoing surgery?
Nowadays, the operation can usually be performed on an outpatient basis. More therapy can usually be done in one day with surgery than with sclerotherapy. However, with sclerotherapy, incisions are eliminated and the individual therapy components are less complex.
Prejudices
a vein operation solves all vein problems forever
facts
Since this is partly a predisposition and the situation usually does not improve with increasing age, regular check-ups with minor corrections if necessary should be expected
possible side effects/complications
- infection
- bruises
- necrosis, impaired wound healing
- thrombosis
- pigment change
- recurrence
details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents
In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations including visual representation of the vessels), the experience of the surgeon and the right concept are the most important factors for the success of a vein operation.
You should avoid…
to think only in purely surgical terms and to only offer the classic varicose vein surgery. There are always good additions or alternative options
anesthesia
The following anesthetics are used during surgery:
- twilight sleep
- general anesthesia
- sometimes cross stitch
the treatment
no blood thinners recommended until one week before treatment (always after consultation with the treating and prescribing physicians)
Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – this means that there is a waiting period of at least 3-4 weeks from the decision to undergo breast enlargement, but often longer.
THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.
the treatment
rest for 2-3 weeks in the sense of:
- do not lift more than 5-6kg
- do not move abruptly
- no tensile or shearing forces on the wound
allowed are:
- walking and moving
- showers for wound cleaning
Wearing compression stockings for a total of 4 weeks recommended (2 weeks day and night, then 2 weeks only during the day)
our preferred technique/recommendation
- precise diagnosis through imaging
- Decision whether sclerotherapy can be an alternative or supplement
- Outpatient surgery under gentle general anesthesia or twilight sleep
Cost
vary depending on the diagnosis, effort, insurance, length of stay
reasonable budget
A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.
Repetitions should normally be planned.
downtime
2-3 weeks of rest should be planned
Important to know…
- vein surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis
Left
Recommended radiologists for your leg vein ultrasound:
Further information on vein surgery and alternatives:
English 
German