Microphlebectomy is an outpatient procedure to remove varicose veins through a slit-like incision in your skin. Varicose veins are enlarged, prominent, or swollen veins that happen anywhere in the body, but most commonly, it occurs in the legs. It is minimally invasive, requires no anesthesia or sutures, and is easily performed in doctor’s clinics within a minimum time. Microphlebectomy is usually recommended to treat large surface varicose veins that are unable to treat through sclerotherapy. Mircophlebectomy is less invasive than surgical stripping and heals faster than any other surgery. Patients recover rapidly and usually do not have to change their routine after microphlebectomy. Microphlebectomy not only gives symptomatic relief but also helps improve the appearance of the legs.
Before The Procedure
- Take medication before the process according to the doctor’s prescription, and avoid that medication your doctor asked you to stop taking.
- Buy compression stocking which fits your size and try to bring them on the day of the procedure.
- Try to be hydrated on the process day and avoid caffeine before the procedure.
- If you have any medical or allergic issues, discuss them with your doctor before treatment.
- Inform your advisor if you are pregnant, before the test.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of the procedure
During The Procedure
Microphlebectomy is usually performed in the office of the doctor. You can expect the following things on the day of your procedure:
- The doctor first cleans and sterilizes the area around your vein.
- He then injects a local anesthetic around the vein.
- When the area gets numb through anesthetic, the doctor makes a series of minor nicks around the targeted veins.
- The doctor then inserts a particular instrument with a hook through the cuts in the body and removes varicose veins with its help.
- You don’t need to get any stitches after the procedure; the doctor covers these incisions with the help of small bandages.
The procedure takes atleast 30 minutes to one hour, and your leg is wrapped afterward. You can get back to normal activities after 24 hours of the process.
After The Procedure
- Though complete bed rest is not required after the procedure, people usually rest and relax afterward.
- Take all the medication on time your doctor prescribed after the procedure.
- The patient should wear compression stockings for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
- After the procedure, in the first 24 to 48 hours, try to elevate your legs when sitting.
- Avoid heavy weight lifting for at least two weeks after the procedure. Avoid carrying trash, bags, and laundry baskets weighing more than 15 pounds.
- Avoid carrying children who exceed the weight limit.
- Avoid yoga, pilates, and core/abdominal exercises for at least two weeks after the procedure, but you can do light aerobic activities.
- Avoid swimming, tub baths, and soaking your legs in water for at least two weeks. Try to use a shower during that period.
- After one week of the procedure, you have to return to the clinic, and your physician will confirm your procedure’s efficacy with the help of an ultrasound.
Benefits Of Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is an effective treatment used to treat varicose veins. The success rate of this treatment is nearly 90%. Some of the benefits of Microphlebectomy are the following:
- Microblectomy does not require any stitches after the procedure.
- Microphlebectomy has a less recurrence rate than sclerotherapy. The recurrence rate for sclerotherapy is 25% one year after treatment, but the recurrence rate for microphlebectomy is about 2% after one year.
Risks Of Microphlebectomy
All the treatments of microphlebectomy have some risks. Some of the dangers of microphlebectomy are the following:
- Risk of infection in the body
- Risk of permanent change of skin color
Rare complications which are related to micro phlebectomy are the following:
- Bleeding
- Tingling and numbness
- Hematoma or bruising
Who Should Not Have Microphlebectomy?
Microphlebectomy may not be beneficial for all kinds of varicose veins; only a vascular specialist will tell you whether it is suitable for you or not. It would be best if you did not undergo microphlebectomy in the following cases:
- When you have an active blood clot
- When you have an active skin infection
References
- https://www.upmc.com/services/south-central-pa/heart-vascular/vascular/vein-center/treatments-services/microphlebectomy
- https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/treatments/microphlebectomy
- https://www.azuravascularcare.com/infoveins/what-is-microphlebectomy/
- https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/what-is-microphlebectomy-0
