​Varicose Veins

• Authorization should be obtained prior to surgery and will be done by the hospital or the rooms staff depending on whether you are an in- or outpatient.

• Make sure that you have been fasting for solid foods for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery and for clear liquids or water for at least 2 hours prior to your surgery. Discuss your chronic medications with your doctor or hospital staff prior to your surgery as you usually are allowed to take chronic medications the day of surgery, barring diabetic medication the day of the procedure. If you are taking any blood thinning medication please discuss these in detail with your doctor as special arrangements need to be made for these.

• A Doppler ultrasound may be required before treatment to assess the veins and plan the procedure.

You will be admitted to the rooms, procedure unit, day ward, or hospital depending on the treatment planned. The procedure may be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia.

Compression bandages or stockings may be applied after treatment.

Treatment depends on the severity of the varicose veins and symptoms.

Management may include compression stockings, leg elevation, exercise, weight control, and avoidance of prolonged standing.

Procedural treatment may include:

• Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation

• Foam sclerotherapy

• Vein stripping or surgical ligation

• Removal of smaller veins through small incisions

The aim is to close or remove the abnormal veins and improve blood flow through healthier veins.

The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the treatment method and the extent of the veins.

• Possible complications include bleeding, bruising, infection, pain, skin staining, numbness, recurrence of varicose veins, blood clots, wound problems, and unintended damage to surrounding structures.

• This is a day procedure, and patients are usually discharged the same day.