
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
Introduction
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a treatment for superficial varicose veins. The procedure involves the removal of the varicose veins through small 2-3 mm incisions in the skin overlying the veins. The procedure may be performed in hospital or outpatient settings. The procedure may be performed with tumescent local anesthesia, such as with lidocaine.
Complications are uncommon, but include paresthesia, bruising, and hematoma.
Graded compression stockings are usually worn for 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Patients usually return to normal light activity immediately after the procedure. This procedure is often used as an adjunct to EVLT or other endovenous ablations of the greater saphenous vein.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
