What is ambulatory phlebectomy and when is it the best option to treat veins? When you develop bulging veins in your feet or other parts of the body, a vascular surgeon may suggest an ambulatory phlebectomy to remove the vein. This procedure is not invasive, and the surgeon will perform it in their office. In this treatment, you do not have to worry about recovery time and general anesthesia because of its non-invasive nature. As the surgeon will only make tiny cuts in the area, they will inject local anesthesia. They will use a hook-type instrument to hold the damaged vein and pull it out.
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Your vascular surgeon might also recommend surgeries such as sclerotherapy or endovenous laser ablation. However, these alternatives will take a lot of time in contrast to ambulatory phlebectomy for vein removal. You do not have to wait for tissues to absorb the vein or undergo surgery numerous times for the best results. In this technique, the surgeon will immediately remove the problematic veins from your body.
Diagnosis of Ambulatory Phlebectomy
On your first visit to the surgeon, they will diagnose your condition by tracing the veins with their fingers. They will check the depth of the veins and if there is blood clotting or not. After that, they will identify the main reason behind the venous disorder. For an accurate diagnosis, a vascular surgeon uses an ultrasound machine to visualize the varicose veins.
Procedure for Ambulatory Phlebectomy
As the procedure does not require emergency rooms, the surgeon can perform the treatment in their office. Though in severe conditions, they might admit you before your procedure and diagnose the conditions and complications. You can ask the surgeon if they will admit you or perform the surgery in their office.
The surgeon will start by injecting local anesthesia around the varicose vein so you won’t feel any pain during incisions. You might feel a brief burn or sting in the area. As you won’t feel the pain during the procedure due to numbness, you will be awake the entire time.
After injecting anesthesia into your skin, the surgeon will clean the skin above varicose veins. Then, they will make small incisions, tracing the vein. After making incisions, they will remove the vein by pulling it out of the cut. To grab the damaged vein, they will use a hook-shaped tool. The surgery will last between 30 minutes and one hour.
Common Facts about Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the first-choice treatment for many people who want to eliminate varicose veins and avoid further complications. Below, you will find some facts about ambulatory phlebectomy that you should know before undergoing the procedure:
1. Perfect for Varicose Veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the ideal treatment for bulging varicose veins. When the vein is close to the skin, it’s easier for the surgeon to remove the vein completely while performing the procedure. This way, you do not have to make frequent visits.
2. Minimally Invasive
In this procedure, the surgeon will only cut three mm on your skin, making this treatment minimally invasive. Moreover, you will receive local anesthesia before the procedure, so you won’t feel any pain. Most of the time, the surgeon performs the procedure in their office.
3. Quick Recovery
You can immediately go home after the procedure. Although you may experience some pain afterward, the doctor will prescribe painkillers to cope with it. Bruises and swelling around the area are also post-procedure symptoms. Your surgeon will suggest compression stockings to help with the recovery process. In most conditions, patients can return to their regular activities after the surgery.
4. Fewer Complications
Similar to any other surgical procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy also includes few risks. Although these complications do not carry many risks, you might develop an allergic reaction due to local anesthesia. At the same time, there are risks for developing an infection, bruising, or inflammation. That is why you need to consult with an experienced and professional vascular surgeon. If you experience complications after the treatment, consult with a doctor immediately.
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5. Different Treatment Options
Clearly, ambulatory phlebectomy is a popular treatment, but other options for removing the abnormal veins are available as well. Your surgeon might also recommend sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, or transdermal laser treatment. Before deciding upon a suitable treatment process, the surgeon will perform a diagnosis and find the best treatment option.
It is likely that your doctor may suggest conservative treatments that you can perform at home. These treatments include compression stockings, leg elevation, and weight loss. However, these are only for when your condition is not as severe.
What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Conclusion
Dr. Norman Chideckel has many years of experience performing ambulatory phlebectomy to treat veins. You can visit him and his team at the Vascular Surgery and Vein Center for a consultation in New York City. Contact us to set-up an appointment for your venous condition. Our clinic’s expert surgeons will observe the severity of the damaged vein and recommend the best treatment.
Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128
212-993-6133