Greater and Short Saphenous Stripping Incisions are made in the groin and anterior to the medial malleolus or popliteal fossa and posterior to the lateral malleolus depending on the vein to be stripped. For the greater saphenous vein care must be taken on the closely related saphenous nerve. The veins and ligated distally and the stripper device is passed proximally through the vein. Once through the vein is tightly ligatured to the stripper. The leg is elevated the stripper is slowly withdrawn from the leg removing the vein with it.
Pressure is applied to the leg to reduce haemorrhage.
A compression bandage is applied for 7 to 10 days post op. Picture 4.0 Anatomy of the veins of the lower limb. Stripping of Tributary Veins Incisions are made over the ends of the varicose veins. As many incisions are made as necessary to remove all of the tributaries. The vein is exposed as much as possible through the incision.