Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are extremely common – approximately 30% of the population will suffer from varicose veins at some stage of their lives. Varicose veins can be painful as well as unsightly. Left untreated they can progress to create venous ulcers on the legs, which are difficult to treat.

Varicose veins are caused by failure of valves in the venous system of the leg. It is essential that patients undergoing surgery for varicose veins have an accurate venous duplex scan before undergoing surgery. Failure to do this can result in the wrong operation being performed and the veins recurring at an early stage.

Venous Duplex Scanning

Venous duplex scanning is painless and non – invasive. The technique allows the surgeon to see precisely where the problems are in the venous system and plan the operation correctly.

The standard operations for varicose veins involve making a cut in the leg over the point of main valve failure, the stripping out the damaged segment of vein. This type of procedure, although commonly performed is becoming superseded by newer methods of treatment which are less invasive and damaging to the patient (see EVLT).

Secretary and Appointments: 0845 0451160
Vascular Hotline: 07855 455 855

Copyright Sweeney Chaloner Surgical Chambers Ltd 2006