What to Expect During Varicose Vein Stripping?
Varicose vein stripping is often fine on an outpatient basis, meaning you would be allowed to go home the same day as the surgery. The entire procedure takes 69 to 90 minutes. It could take longer if there is a complication.
Your doctor will decide on which is preferable for you, whether a general or spinal anesthesia [5] before the procedure. General anesthesia puts you to sleep throughout the procedure. Spinal anesthesia numbs the lower part of your body, but you will still be awake during the procedure.
Your doctor may also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication [6] to take beforehand if you are receiving spinal anesthesia and feeling nervous about the procedure.
During varicose vein stripping, your surgeon will make several small cuts, or incisions, near the top and bottom of your damaged vein.
During the procedure, your doctor will make one incision in your groin and another will be farther down your leg, either in your calf or ankle. They will then thread a thin, flexible plastic wire into the vein through the groin incision. The wire will be tied to the vein and pulled out through the cut in the lower leg.
Your surgeon will then close the cuts with stitches and place bandages and compression stockings on your leg.