Health Blog

The following information deals with the operation for varicose veins.

The damaged valves in the veins cannot be cured so the best way to cure the problem is to remove the affected veins. The aim of surgery is to take pressure off the skin veins in the leg, by tying and dividing (and often removing) the principal skin veins in the leg. The removal of varicose veins does not affect blood flow because other veins and especially the deep veins take over this job. The operation is particularly suitable for people with:

• Ulceration, or threat of ulceration resulting from their varicose veins.
• If the veins have caused bleeding through the skin. This is frightening, and may recur.
• Phlebitis (inflammation in the veins and overlying skin), large varicose veins and aching in the veins.

The aims of surgery are to reduce to normal the pressure in the skin veins. This will prevent existing varicose veins from enlarging further, and will prevent new varicose veins from growing. For those with skin changes around the ankles or previous ulceration, reducing the pressure prevents worsening of the skin change and usually reduces the risk of further ulceration. For this group, the addition of support stockings further protects the skin around the ankles.

Read more at Circulation Foundation