Vein stripping

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Vein stripping is a surgical procedure done under general anaesthetic to remove varicose veins. The surgeon puts an incision at the groin, and inserts a special wire into the vein. He/she ties the vein to the wire and advances it through the vein, all the way to the calf or even the ankle. The vein is then pulled out from the leg. The two incisions are stitched up, and pressure dressings are applied to the leg.

A patient might need to stay in the hospital overnight. The pressure bandage will stay on the affected leg for a few days and following that, there might be a need for special elastic stockings. For full recovery most people need at least two weeks off.

Like with any surgery that requires anaesthesia, patients might experience some complications.

Some risks include:

• allergic reactions
• post operative bleeding
• risk of infection