Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

• Ambulatory Phlebectomy
• Removal of Varicose Vein
• Varicose Vein Phlebectomy

What is Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure? (General Explanation)

Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein is a minimally-invasive procedure to remove varicose veins on the surface of the leg.

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

Varicose veins are usually found in the extremities, mostly in the legs. Thus, typically legs are the focus of the phlebectomy procedure.

Why is the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure Performed?

Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged, swollen, and torturous, with weakened valves.

• They can cause pain, edema in extremities, skin ulcers or other abnormalities
• The Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure is performed to relieve patients from the symptoms caused by such veins

What is the Equipment used? (Description of Equipment)

The following devices may be used in the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• A small needle is used to make very small incisions during the procedure
• Phlebectomy hooks are inserted and used to remove the varicose veins

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

There have been no recent advances in the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure.

What is the Cost of performing the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

The cost of Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.

In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary. 

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to the Procedure?

• It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused with a sudden inflow of information regarding Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins procedure and what needs to be done
• If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist in recommending another physician
• Also, if the procedure involves multiple steps or has many alternatives, the patient may take a second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach another physician independently

What are some Helpful Resources?

http://www.veincare.com/treatments/micro-incision-phlebectomy/ (assessed on 3/3/2015)

https://www.asds.net/AmbulatoryPhlebectomyInformation.aspx (assessed on 3/3/2015)

Prior to Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology Procedure:

How does the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure work?

Very small incisions are made in the skin near varicose veins during this Phlebectomy of varicose vein procedure. Veins are collapsible and they are removed using Phlebectomy hooks.

How is the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure Performed?

Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein is performed as an office-based procedure:

• The area of skin incision is sterilized and injected with a local anesthetic
• Small skin incisions are made at the site of hook insertion
• The phlebectomy hook is inserted under the skin to remove the varicose veins, through the tiny incisions
• Most patients can go home after the procedure, though some may need to be admitted at the hospital

Where is the Procedure Performed?

The Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure is performed in a physician’s office.

Who Performs the Procedure?

A vascular surgeon or a dermatologist performs the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure.

How long will the Procedure take?

• Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure takes between 30-60 minutes
• It may take longer depending upon the size and number of varicose veins

Who interprets the Result?

A vascular surgeon or a dermatologist interprets the results of the Varicose Vein Phlebectomy procedure.

What Preparations are needed, prior to the Procedure?

The following preparations may be needed prior to a Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• The physician may evaluate the individual’s medical history to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the overall health status of the patient, including information related to the medications that are currently being taken
• Do inform the medical professional if you have a history of any medical conditions such as a heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Do inform the medical professional about any allergies, especially related to barium or iodinated contrast material, which may be used in the procedure
• It is advisable to wear comfortable and loose clothes. Avoid wearing any metal objects or jewelry, as it may interfere with the x-ray
• Women should notify the physician if they are pregnant or breastfeeding their child, as many such procedures may not be performed on pregnant women
• Depending on the procedure adopted, the patient may be asked for certain bowel or bladder preparations before the preparation sessions
• The patient may be asked to avoid eating or drinking several hours before the test

What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?

A physician will request your consent for Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins procedure using an Informed Consent Form.

Consent for the Procedure: A “consent” is your approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This process is called informed consent.

You must sign the forms only after you are totally satisfied by the answers to your questions. In case of minors and individuals unable to personally give their consent, the individual’s legal guardian or next of kin, shall give their consent for the procedure.

What are the Benefits versus Risks, for this Procedure?

Following are the benefits of the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• This procedure is simple, minimally-invasive, and requires only small skin incisions
• It is not an expensive procedure
• Results of the procedure are generally excellent

Following are the risks of the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• Since skin incisions are made for the access of varicose veins, there is a risk of infection
• During the procedure, other veins can also be damaged
• Local anesthetic used during this procedure may cause an allergic reaction
• If sensory nerves are damaged during the procedure, it may cause skin numbness

What are the Limitations of the Phlebectomy of the Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

Following are the limitations of the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• Although success rate is very high with the procedure, some patients may require additional treatment for varicose veins
• Phlebectomy may be used along with other procedures, such as endovenous catheter ablation, to treat the condition

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your healthcare provider or physician are as follows:

• What is a Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins procedure?
• Why is this procedure necessary? How will it help?
• How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
• Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
• Where is the procedure performed?
• What are the risks while performing the procedure?
• What are the complications that might take place during recovery?
• What are the possible side effects from the procedure? How can I minimize these side effects?
• How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
• How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
• Are there any lifestyle restrictions or modifications required after the procedure is performed?
• Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required after the procedure?
• Is there any medication that needs to be taken for life after the procedure?
• What are the costs involved?

During the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure:

What is to be expected during the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

The following may be expected during the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• The patients may feel a small sting when local anesthetic is injected, before making the skin incision for the procedure
• After the anesthetic injection, no pain may be felt
• The skin incisions are very small and do not require any sutures
• After the procedure is over, the treated area is wrapped in a compression wrap

What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?

Only a local anesthesia used during the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure; in majority of the cases, no general anesthesia is necessary.

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

Since the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure is a minimally-invasive procedure, the blood loss involved during the procedure is minimal.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

The following are the risks during the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure:

• The procedure may damage other veins
• Local anesthetic used during this procedure may cause an allergic reaction
• If sensory nerves are damaged during the procedure, it may cause skin numbness

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedures?

No specific post-operative care is needed at healthcare facility after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure.

After the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure:

What is to be expected after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

• In most of the cases, the patient can leave right after the Varicose Vein Phlebectomy procedure
• They have to wear compression stocking for about a month after the procedure
• Patients can resume all their normal activities 24 hours after the procedure

When do you need to call your Physician?

Do inform your physician or healthcare provider:

• If you develop fever greater than 100 deg. F
• If there are signs of infection at the skin incision site, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or pain

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

Compression stocking have to be worn for about a month after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure.

How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?

The patient should be able to fully recover from the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure in 1-2 days.

Additional Information:

What happens to tissue (if any), taken out during the Procedure?

The tissue is taken for further examination and later disposed as per the standard medical procedure. 

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding tissue taken out, during the Procedure?

In a majority of the cases, the tissues are disposed after their removal. However, sometimes, the healthcare provider may request a tissue biopsy.

• The tissue removed is processed in the laboratory under a pathologist's supervision
• Slide(s) are prepared once the fluid is processed and is examined by a pathologist and a pathology report issued
• Depending on the complexity of the case, issue of the report may take anywhere between 72 hours to a week's time

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein radiology procedure?

It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.

Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

• The hospital, where the procedure is performed
• Healthcare providers, physicians, and radiologists, who are involved in the process

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the Phlebectomy of Varicose Vein procedure is performed.