Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment

 

Alternative Names

Sclerotherapy; Laser therapy - varicose veins; Radiofrequency vein ablation; Endovenous thermal ablation; Ambulatory phlebectomy; Transilluminated power phlebotomy; Endovenous laser ablation; Varicose vein therapy

Definition

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, painful veins that have filled with blood.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Your doctor may recommend varicose vein therapy to treat:

  • Varicose veins that cause problems with blood flow
  • Leg pain and feeling of heaviness
  • Skin changes or skin sores that are caused by too much pressure in the veins
  • Blood clots or swelling in the veins
  • To make your leg look better

Risks

These treatments are generally safe. Ask your doctor about specific problems that you might have.

The risks for any anesthesia are:

The risks for any procedure are:

The risks of varicose vein therapy are:

  • Blood clots
  • Nerve damage
  • Failure to close the vein
  • Opening of the treated vein
  • Vein irritation
  • Bruising or scarring
  • Return of the varicose vein over time

Before the Procedure

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

  • If you are or could be pregnant
  • About any medicines you are taking. This includes drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

You may need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and other medicines that make it hard for your blood to clot.

After the Procedure

Your legs will be wrapped with bandages to control swelling and bleeding for 2 to 3 days after your treatment.

You should be able to start normal activities within 1 to 2 days after treatment. You will need to wear compression stockings during the day for 1 week after treatment.

Your doctor may check your leg using ultrasound a few days after treatment to make sure the vein is sealed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

These treatments reduce pain and improve the appearance of the leg. They usually cause very little scarring, bruising, or swelling.

Wearing compression stockings will help prevent the problem from returning.

References

Freischlag JA, Heller JA. Venous disease. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 65.

Goldman MP, Guex JJ, Weiss RA. Sclerotherapy: Treatment of Varicose and Telangiectatic Leg Veins. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011.

Nijsten T, van den Bos RR, Goldman MP, et al. Minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of saphenous varicose veins. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60:110-119.

Review Date: 1/23/2013
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Chester, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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