Vein stripping

[Suzannew]

My husband is due to have this done, is it as painful as it sounds, can he have a local rather than a general - how long does recovery take and did it cure the problem? 

[Philtaz]

I work in the Op Theatre and although I've not had it done personally have often heard surgeons saying it is not particularly painful.  Obviously there will be mild discomfort for a short time(as with any operation) but this is usually controlled by home use painkillers.

As for the op, if he is undergoing standard procedure he will have a small incision in his groin, from where they will tie off his LSV(Long Saphenous Vein) and strip it out by pushing a small plastic tube down the vein, place a bung on the end and pull it out of his leg via a small incision somewhere mid thigh, probably an inch or two above the knee.  They will then make small stab-like incisions in his leg and avulse(pull, with instruments similar to crochet needles) the other veins from his leg. Sorry if it all sounds a bit gruesome!

The whole procedure usually lasts about 40 mins but this can be longer/shorter as not everyone has their LSV removed or some have their SSV(Short Saphenous Vein) removed, which is at the back of the leg, as well as their LSV.

Hope this helps.

[Philtaz]

Forgot to add further answers to your questions:

It is rarely done under local anaesthetic, usually general though he can ask for a spinal anaesthetic(usually wears off after 4 hours, procedure is similar to epidural).

Recovery is 2-3 weeks, maybe 4 and yes it usually cures the problem, though some do come back for what are termed re-current varicose veins, probably about 10% but that's just a guesstimate from the ones I've seen come back to theatre.

[Suzannew]

Phil, thank you very much for your detailed reply - I couldn't have asked for a better one and will pass this info on.  (I did feel a little faint when reading it though!)

[OBonio]

Althought I'm sure Philtaz is more than qualified to answer this question, you really should seek advice from your GP or the hospital where he's having the op.

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on, or wait for, advice from Answerbank users.