Varicose vein surgery can be indicated to remove or destroy damaged varicose veins from the legs when other, less-invasive forms of treatment, (like diet or compression stockings) are not successful. Varicose vein surgery can help to reduce discomfort and improve the appearance of the legs.

There are several types of varicose vein surgeries that your doctor can recommend. However, it is important to highlight that varicose veins may return even after the procedure, especially if the patient maintain an optimal weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Varicose vein surgery is performed by an angiologist or vascular surgeon, and may involve the use of methods like scleropathy, endovenous ablation, laser therapy or surgical removal. The type of procedure performed depends on the patient's health status, and the size and location of the varicose veins.

Types of surgeries

The main types of varicose vein surgeries your doctor may recommend include:

1. Microphlebectomy

A microphlebectomy is a procedure that is typically done in a clinical setting under local anesthesia. In this surgery, the doctor makes small cuts on the varicose veins, and removes the vessels that have developed into superficial varicose veins.

This surgery involves the removal of small or medium-sized varicose veins. It is usually a day surgery with same-day discharge, and requires about 7 days of rest to ensure optimal healing.

2. Varicose vein stripping and ligation

Varicose vein stripping and ligation is a type of surgery in which the doctor ties and removes the damaged veins in the legs that cause varicose veins.

This procedure requires two small cuts, one in the groin and one in the leg. The recovery time is about 3 weeks.

3. Endovenous thermal ablation

Endovenous thermal ablation is a less invasive surgery that is performed to remove the saphenous vein.

This type of surgery is performed under local anesthesia, using an ultrasound to locate the affected vessel and then inserting a laser into the vein, which generates energy and destroys the affected vessel.

The recovery time for this surgery is quick, and the person can usually return to work and daily activities the next day.

4. Safenectomy

A safenectomy involves the removal of all or a part of the saphenous vein, and is aimed at treating deeper or larger varicose veins. The saphenous vein is the main vein that runs from the groin to the inner foot.

Removing a disease saphenous vein forces blood to circulate and flow into healthier vessels in the legs, reducing the risk for new varicose veins and relieving symptoms like heaviness and discomfort.

What is the recovery from surgery like?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, and discharge instructions will be provided by the surgeon. Some general precautions the doctor may advise include:

Avoiding physical exertion, like going up and down stairs, for 2 to 7 days
Maintaining light activity, like light walks around your home
Elevating your feet when resting to promote drainage

Procedures that require incisions will also require wound care and dressing changes.

After the first week of recovery, you can start taking short walks outside the home, and you can resume your routine activities after around 2 weeks. However, you should avoid lifting heavy weights and exposing your legs to the sun during the first 2 months.

Other activities, such as going to the gym or running, should be gradually reintroduced, as guided by your surgeon.

Possible complications

The complications that varicose vein surgery can lead to include:

Vein infections
Hemorrhages
Leg hematomas
Leg pain
Leg nerve damage

The risk for complications has reduced significantly as techniques have improved over the years. They can be avoided if patients follow discharge instructions as advised by their doctor.