Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy – Removal of Varicose Tributaries
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the technique of placing 1-2 millimeter stab incisions over varicose tributaries, using small hooks to retrieve the varicose veins, pulling the pulling the varicose veins out through the tiny incisions, and putting steri-strips (tape) over the tiny wounds. No sutures are used. Tumescent local anesthesia is used. The tiny incisions heal with minimal scars. Graduated compression stockings are worn for three weeks following the procedure. As long as the stockings are worn, almost all activities can be done the day of the surgery. At one time, ambulatory phlebectomies were done during the stripping procedure to remove the varicose tributaries that were not destroyed by the stripping. It has been found that many of the varicose tributaries will shrink down and the valves will work effectively once the main back flow from the stripped or ablated vein has been treated. You can choose to have ambulatory phlebectomy at the same time or you can wait for 6-12 months and see how many varicose tributaries will go away.