Vein Surgery
Vein surgery is a procedure that is used to treat large and small varicose veins that are caused because of faulty valves within the vein and helps relieve leg pain and leg cramps that are associated with varicose veins. High Ligation, as it is often referred to, was very popular before the minimally invasive Endovenous Ablation was developed.
Surgery is done for two main reasons. The first is to treat varicose veins. In conjunction with removal of the varicose veins, ligation and stripping of veins is often performed to help prevent recurrence of the varicose veins. This is typically done if there is evidence of valvular incompetence within the main veins that give rise to the varicose veins.
Ligation and stripping are also done when pooling of blood occurs secondary to venous incompetence, and patients suffer from symptoms of venous insufficiency. These symptoms include leg swelling, skin changes, pain, and, in severe cases, ulceration. The removal of the malfunctioning vein helps to control symptoms, and in cases of ulceration, it helps the ulcers to heal. Surgical removal or stripping of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations to treat superficial venous thrombosis or phlebitis.
Each patient is evaluated, and treatment will be individualized for the patient’s circumstances.
Are you a candidate for vein surgery?
If you are a candidate for vein surgery you are in good hands. Dr. Darling performs this procedure in our office under local anesthesia. It involves a small groin incision. The tissue is dissected down to the Great Saphenous Vein where it meets the common femoral vein. The Great Saphenous Vein is then tied off with suture.
The idea is to sever the connection between the Superficial veins (Great Saphenous Vein) and the deep veins (Common Femoral Vein). If the superficial vein in the leg is large in diameter it may not respond fully to endovenous ablation. High ligation ensures complete treatment of the superficial vein in the leg.
If the ligation is unsuccessful in reducing or eliminating the flow of blood through a disease vein, and the remaining vein under the point of ligation is also faulty, and shows multiple damaged valves, then a procedure called Vein Stripping surgery will follow, and that vein is then removed from the leg. Dr. Darling may find the need to ligate and tie off several veins in the area and let healthy veins re-route the blood as needed.
Trust Your Vein Surgery to a Triple Board Certified Vein Doctor in Kansas City, MO!
Want to learn more about your vein disease treatment options or if vein surgery is right for you? Schedule a vein consultation with the best vein doctor in KC today by calling 816-792-3400 or use our online form and we will contact you.