Vein Stripping Vs. Newer Procedures
For several decades, vein stripping was the industry standard in treating varicose veins. This surgical procedure involves removing the damaged veins, and requires general anesthesia just like any other surgery. However, in recent years, less invasive methods have gained favor, and these procedures offer several advantages over surgery, as well as producing similar results.
Both ablation treatment to seal defective veins and surgical removal of veins appear to have similar results in terms of effectiveness. However, with any treatment there’s a chance that the varicose veins could return. This can be caused by new veins developing defects, or by previously treated veins re-opening.
The preferred treatment method for varicose veins now is the newer, less invasive methods such as Radio Frequency Ablation or ClariVein treatment. This is because these procedures cause less pain – sometimes little to none – and require less recovery time. If the vein is removed by a surgical procedure known as vein stripping, under general anesthesia, all or part of the vein is tied off and pulled out. The legs are bandaged after the surgery but swelling and bruising may last for weeks.
At two years following treatment, patients who had undergone the Closure procedure reported superior quality of life compared to vein stripping patients.
The Closure procedure has proven to be highly effective, with 87% of veins treated remaining closed at 5 years. Results also demonstrate long-term relief of symptoms.
Three randomized trials of the Closure procedure versus vein stripping, including the multi-center comparative trial published in August 2003 in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, show very similar results. In the most recent trial every statistically significant outcome was in favor of the ablation, resulting in:
- Experienced less post-operative pain and bruising
- Resumed normal activities within one day
- Returned to work more than a week earlier than the vein stripping patients
The Closure procedure is shown to be as effective as vein stripping in delaying the reappearance of varicose veins.
| Treatment | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Closure 6
Vein Stripping 7 Ligation 7 |
90%
86% 86% |
87%
75% 57% |
Some of the newer treatments have a lower risk of certain kinds of complications. In addition, with the newer treatment options there may be less risk of damaging or disrupting the tissue surrounding the damaged veins. Plus, many newer treatments require just a local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia, and are safe enough for patients to return to work the very same day. Also, some patients aren’t good candidates for surgery, such as people with poor circulation in the legs, and older patients – especially those with other health conditions that could put them at too much risk to undergo surgery.
At Alpha Vein Clinic, we perform several vein procedures and can help you decide which one is right for you, as well as explaining the pros and cons of both stripping and newer techniques. Make an appointment today so we can crate a treatment plan customized for you.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661