Patient Information
Vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins
Authors:Professor Stewart Walsh,
Department of Vascular Surgery
Brief description:
- This information sheet is for patients who are to undergo injection treatment of their varicose veins.
- Here, we explain some of the aims, benefits, and risks to this procedure (operation/treatment). We want you to be informed about your choices to help you to be fully involved in making any decisions.
- Please ask about anything you do not fully understand or wish to have explained in more detail.
- If you would like this information in another format or language or would like help completing the form, please ask a member of our staff.
Please bring this form with you to hospital
- You will be asked to read this form carefully, and you and your doctor (or other appropriate healthcare professional) will sign it to document your consent.
- Remember, you can change your mind about having the procedure at any time.
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For staff use:
Does the patient have any special requirements?(eg requires an interpreter or other additional communication method)
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Date: 28th July 2014**Page 1 of 4**
Patient Information forVaricose Vein Surgery
West / NorthWest Hospitals Group
Patient Information
Surgery for varicose veins
Varicose veins are dilated superficial veins under the skin of the leg. These abnormal veins are common, cause a number of symptoms and can be removed without affecting the function of the other veins in the leg. Commonly, the vein in the groin or behind the knee has a valve that no longer works, which causes back pressure on the varicose veins. The operation, therefore, involves tying off the vein in the groin or knee and then removing the varicose veins through a series of small (two to five mm) cuts (incisions) in the skin of the leg.
Complications that are specific to surgery for varicose veins
Removing varicose veins inevitably produces some bruising and soreness. The severity of this depends on how many veins are removed. It can sometimes take several weeks for all the bruising to completely settle down. Small nerves next to the veins can be disturbed, leading to patches of numbness in the lower leg and foot in 10 to 20% of patients. This slowly resolves but is occasionally permanent. A thrombosis can occur in the deeper veins of the leg; this occurs in one to two per cent of patients.
Before the operation
This operation can either be a 'day case' or involve an overnight stay. You should have nothing to eat for at least six hours before the operation, which is done under general anaesthetic. The ward staff will give you the necessary help in preparing for the operation. The varicose veins will be highlighted with a marker pen. A premedication ('premed') to help you relax might be given, depending on the preference of your anaesthetist. The actual operation will take approx. 30 to 60 min but you might be in the operating department for longer, because all patients spend a minimum of half an hour in the recovery room.
After the operation
When you return to the ward, you might feel drowsy, but you should not feel any pain or sickness. If you do, tell the nurse who is looking after you and you will be given a painkiller or something for sickness. Your leg will be bandaged firmly to help reduce bruising. For the first four to six hours, you should remain in bed. Later, when the nursing staff are happy with your progress, you will be able to first sit up and later get out of bed. Once you have woken sufficiently, you can start drinking again and you may have something light to eat.
After you leave the hospital
You might leave hospital after a day-case operation or after an overnight stay. You will have a bandage on your leg for the first three days after the operation.
If there is some bleeding through the bandages, do not worry. If this happens, elevate the leg(s), apply some pressure for 10 to 20 min and it will stop. If you are concerned, call the day-time telephone number given to you, or call your general practitioner (GP).
The small cuts on the leg will usually be closed with tape rather than stitches. A cut at the top of the leg will be closed with dissolvable stitches. Rarely, there might be some stitches to remove, and the ward nursing staff will arrange for the district or practice nurse to do this five to seven days after the operation.
Later on
If you are working, you will probably need to arrange to have 7–14 days off work; return to work when you feel comfortable
Avoid driving for 7 to 10 days
We encourage you to do some walking, and to keep as active as possible in order to keep the blood circulating in the leg(s)
Avoid standing for long periods
Avoid crossing your legs
Elevate the legs when you are resting
You may resume having sexual intercourse when it is comfortable, which is usually after approx. one to two weeks.
Where will my treatment take place?
On the day of your treatment you will attend St Brigid’s Ward at Roscommon General Hospital. The date and time will be confirmed with you.
Will there be any follow up?
A routine outpatients appointment is not necessary following varicose veins surgery. If any problems occur, an outpatients appointment will be arranged.
What are the potential complications?
Recurrence
There is a chance that you will develop more veins in time. This occurs following any of the available options for varicose veins, not just surgery. About one patient in every four will develop more varicose veins within 5 years of their operation.
Bleeding
Occasionally, there is some bleeding immediately after the operation. This is usually minor and easily controlled by an extra bandage.
Infection
Sometimes, the cut at the top of your leg may become infected. This typically occurs 7 to 10 days following the surgery. The cut may become red and tender. It may weep. Most infections respond well to antibiotic tablets.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is rare following varicose vein surgery but does occur. It may lead to a clot on the lung with potentially life-threatening consequences. All patients receive an injection immediately before surgery to thin the blood and reduce the risk of a clot. Exercise after the surgery is encouraged to reduce the risk of a clot still further.
Nerve Injury
There is a small chance of nerve injury in your leg. This may lead to permanent numbness. Occasionally, nerve injury triggers chronic pain which can be troublesome until controlled. The risk of either of these problems is about 1 in 200.
Haematomas
Sometimes, patients notice a hard lump under one of the skin incisions a couple of weeks after surgery. This is a small collection of clotted blood. It is not dangerous and is not the type of clot that travels to important organs. If they occur, these lumps disappear after a few weeks and generally do not require any treatment.
Date: 28th July 2014**Page 1 of 4**
Patient Information forVaricose Vein Surgery
West / NorthWest Hospitals Group