In traditional vein stripping, the surgeon maKes a long incision in the leg. A special wire is inserted into the incision and down through the vein. The wire is then used to pull the affected vein out through the incision. The procedure leaves a long empty channel in which blood can accumulate. The surgery causes a lot of trauma to the limb and a lot of post-operative pain and discomfort.
Patients generally require a two-day stay in the hospital for recovery.
Some doctors are using a less invasive surgical technique for the treatment of varicose veins. The surgery is known as an ambulatory phlebectomy. A special small hook is placed through the incision and under the vein. As the surgeon lifts the hook, the vein is gently pulled out through the incision. The vein is then clamped and that section of the vessel is removed.