Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure designed to surgically remove unwanted veins. With new treatment indications and modifications to the traditional technique, this procedure is becoming increasingly popular for treatment of intermediate and large veins on the body.
Dr. Sadick is at the forefront of these new techniques and has published several papers on the topic of ambulatory phlebectomy.
Indications for Ambulatory Phlebectomy
In general, ambulatory phlebectomy is recommended when veins near the skin surface are too large to treat with sclerotherapy and too small to address with the laser. Other indications include the following:
- Vein biopsy
- Veins around the eye
- Veins located in areas where sclerotherapy is less effective or associated with increased complication rate
What to Expect During Ambulatory Phlebectomy
An ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical procedure that removes bulging varicose veins on the legs. Among the veins that can be removed with this method are major tributaries, perforators and reticular veins, including smaller veins associated with telangiectasias. Skin incisions or needle punctures as small as 1 mm are used to extract veins with a phlebectomy instrument.
Dr. Sadick can perform ambulatory phelbectomy using a variety of techniques. He may recommend the conventional technique or a pull-through cannulation technique that allows easier removal of long venous segments with less trauma than that of previously described techniques.
In the conventional method, the skin is numbed with a topical anesthetic. Small incisions or punctures are then made over the top of the targeted vein. A hook is inserted to remove the vein through the incision, followed by placement of a small stitch. After cleansing the skin, a small adhesive strip is placed over the incision.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy Recovery
The ambulatory phlebectomy procedure is well tolerated by patients and produces excellent cosmetic results.
In contrast to sclerotherapy of large varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy minimizes the risks of intra-arterial injection, skin necrosis and residual hyperpigmentation.
In contrast to traditional venous ligation, the small size of the skin incision or puncture usually results in little or no scarring. The treatment is performed with the patient under local anesthesia and patients can walk immediately following the procedure.
After ambulatory phlebectomy, it is necessary to wear a three-layered compression dressing for 48 hours, followed by special support hose for six weeks during waking hours. If the procedure is performed on your legs, you may be advised to elevate them as much as possible.
Ambulatory Phelbectomy Side Effects
Possible side effects include postoperative bruising, transient hyperpigmentation, temporary phlebitis, superficial clot formation, minor infection, scarring and allergic reaction.
Contact Sadick Dermatology in Manhattan or Great Neck to learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy and other vein treatments.
