varicose vein removal | Surgical removal of veins

Surgical removal of veins

The affected veins in the superficial nervous system are pulled out (removed) through small incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as "Babcock Procedure" or "Babcock Removal". The American physician, Babcock, described the method for the first time in 1907. This classic method is used to remove the affected segments from the most affected long saphenous vein, which runs from the ankle to the inguinal fold.

Before surgical removal of veins
The saphenous vein can only be removed if the deep venous system is healthy. This is verified firstly by ultrasound examination (Doppler ultrasonography) and sometimes by means of contrast medium radiographs (phlebography). Several days before the procedure, patients should not consume alcohol or take medications that delay blood clotting. These include most analgesics.

How varicose veins are removed
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

First, the saphenous vein is exposed with a small incision in the groin.
Then the tributaries are sealed and the great vein itself is bound.
The doctor makes a second incision below the affected vein segment. If the entire saphenous vein has been affected by varicose vein disease, the vein is exposed slightly above the medial malleolus (ankle bone) and is also tied.
A thin, flexible probe, the so-called Babcock probe or vein remover, is usually advanced through the saphenous vein to the groin. The diseased segment is then pulled out of the vein with the aid of the probe.
After the procedure, the incisions are closed and a compression bandage is wound tightly around the leg. Anti-embolism clothing, such as mediven struva.

After surgical removal of veins
After the procedure, patients should wear compression stockings for at least three months. They should also avoid long periods of standing or sitting. During a series of follow-up exams, the doctor checks the progression of healing and the outcome of the treatment. Surgical removal of veins is considered a very safe method of treating varicose veins. Possible side effects of the procedure, which usually disappear after a short time or can be avoided with compression stockings, may be:

Bruises
Swelling
Sensation of tension or pressure in the legs
Sensory disturbances
Lymphatic fluid accumulation
Complications are more rare and may include:

Severe pain
Wound Healing Disorders
Infections
Thrombosis
Venous insufficiency itself can not be cured with varicose vein surgery. Therefore, patients should continue to wear their compression garments every day after successful varicose vein surgery to prevent the onset of new varicose veins and enjoy the results of the operation in the years to come.