Many people are unaware of how varicose veins are removed today when modern and gentle treatment methods are often used. Many believe that the traditional method of stripping is still used to remove varicose veins. In this article, we will explain what stripping is and what treatment methods are used today to remove varicose veins.
Why do varicose veins appear on the legs?
Varicose veins are pools of oxygen-poor blood that have collected in a vein. The vein's job is to return the blood to the heart, and to prevent the blood from flowing back down the vein between heartbeats, there are venous valves, which are supposed to prevent the blood from leaking downwards, in the veins.
The venous valves wear out over time and can eventually become so defective that they cannot hold tight, leading to blood leakage. The blood that leaks at the venous valves will accumulate in pools where the pressure from the blood constantly increases. This increased pressure of blood in the pools in the veins is what becomes varicose veins. Because the pressure is often high in the legs, that is where varicose veins typically occur, especially common is that varicose veins occur in the large vein that goes up to the groin.
Treatment of Varicose Veins in the Groin - Stripping
A person with larger varicose veins requiring treatment is often offered stripping as a treatment method. Stripping is a traditional treatment method that involves removing the vein with varicose veins under anesthesia using a scalpel. Stripping is still often used but the method is not as gentle as more modern methods for removing varicose veins.
New Treatment Methods for Removing Varicose Veins
At private clinics, new and modern treatment methods are often used to remove varicose veins. At Varicose Vein Clinics, only the most gentle and effective treatment methods are used. This means that stripping, where the varicose veins are removed by pulling a piece of the vein out of the groin, is not used.
Some of the most modern treatments for removing varicose veins are laser treatment, radiofrequency, foam treatment, and phlebectomy.
Laser Treatment for Removing Varicose Veins
Laser treatment for removing varicose veins has been well-documented since 1998 and is a technique that creates intense light waves. Laser treatment is performed under local anesthesia and involves inserting a catheter into the diseased vein, after which the laser is inserted into the vein and then slowly withdrawn. The heat from the laser causes the vein to close, which makes the varicose veins disappear.
Radiofrequency for Removing Varicose Veins
Like laser treatment, radiofrequency is a very effective method for removing varicose veins. In this treatment, a thin catheter is inserted into the vein with varicose veins. The vein is then heated with radiofrequency. The heat causes the vein to close so that blood cannot pass through, and this makes the varicose veins disappear.
Foam Treatment for Removing Smaller Varicose Veins
Foam treatment is used to remove smaller and superficial varicose veins or on patients who have previously removed varicose veins. With the help of ultrasound, a foaming agent is injected into the diseased vein, which then seals the vein, causing the varicose veins to disappear.
This treatment for removing varicose veins is not as effective as radiofrequency and laser treatment but is good for removing smaller varicose veins.
Phlebectomy Removes the Cosmetic Part of Varicose Veins
A person with very visible varicose veins can have them removed with phlebectomy. This treatment removes the cosmetic part of varicose veins, i.e., the visible varicose veins on the legs. Phlebectomy involves the doctor making small incisions in the skin after which a small part of the vein is pulled out. The incisions are very small, scarring is minimal, and the scars disappear over time.
After Treatment of Varicose Veins
The new treatment methods described above are performed with only local anesthesia, usually require no sick leave, and only a very short convalescence. By comparison, stripping, which is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia, requires up to two weeks of convalescence.
After treatment of varicose veins, it is a good idea to continue to be active, and guidance on how long a compression stocking must be worn is given with consideration to the treatment method.
Varicose Vein Clinics offer free follow-up as needed after treatment. We recommend that at least 3-4 months pass so that the surgeon can assess the effect of the primary treatment.
Summary: Varicose Veins in the Groin - Stripping
Varicose veins have been removed for many years through so-called stripping. This method is a traditional method that involves pulling a piece of the vein out of the groin. Stripping is not used at Varicose Vein Clinics, where only the most gentle and modern treatments are used to remove varicose veins.
5 Quick Questions About Varicose Veins in the Groin
What can be done about varicose veins in the groin?
Varicose veins in the groin often occur during pregnancy, where the pressure on the pelvis is high due to the uterus, the baby, and the increased blood volume in the body. In some cases, varicose veins in the groin disappear on their own after childbirth, but in others, treatment is required to remove the varicose veins in the groin.
How do you know if you have internal varicose veins?
There are various symptoms of internal varicose veins. The leg swells, especially around the ankles, the skin itches, and eczema can occur. There can also be severe pain at the site of the varicose veins, and the skin around them can become discolored.
When does the county council cover varicose vein surgery?
There are clear criteria that must be met before the county council will cover a varicose vein surgery. If these criteria are met, there is a possibility that you can get the operation for free. The county council only covers the medical part of varicose vein surgeries, not the cosmetic part.
Can you remove varicose veins yourself?
If you have varicose veins, they must be treated to disappear. It is possible to treat the symptoms so that they decrease, but you cannot remove the varicose veins yourself.
Why do the legs feel stiff?
The veins in the legs become softer and stretch over the years. This causes swelling in the legs, a lot of blood enters the veins, and fluid is pushed out into the tissue, which makes the legs feel stiff and rigid.
