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Mini phlebectomy, also called ambulatory phlebectomy is an office procedure that removes superficial veins through tiny incisions in the skin (micro-extraction that need no stitches). The procedure involves surgical removal of the bulging veins, segment by segment, through tiny incisions with vein hooks. The patient will wear compression stockings for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Mini phlebectomy is done under local anesthesia and patients should not feel any pain during the procedure. A few patients may feel minimal, if any, discomfort after surgery. Temporary bruising and swelling of the treated area is typical and is minimized with compression stockings. The small incisions heal well without sutures. The patient is encouraged to resume normal walking.
Occasionally, the residual veins may become thrombosed, inflamed causing the condition thrombophlebitis, the vein may feel like a hard cord and may be tender. Over-the-counter medications, compression stockings and time usually resolve the condition. Rarely, a sensory nerve may be injured and skin numbness results and affects a small area only. Movement of leg should not be affected.
Typically, treated veins are the larger, bulging and varicose veins. Mini phlebectomy is often combined with the EVLA procedure and other therapies in the treatment of venous disease.
Summary of mini phlebectomy include:
- Performed in a doctor’s office
- Done under local anesthesia
- No pre-treatment preparation
- Usually for the larger, bulging and varicose veins
- Remove superficial veins through tiny incisions
- The tiny incisions heal well without sutures
- Patients can resume normal walking after the surgery
- Minor soreness or bruising occasionally
- Often combined with the EVLA procedure and other therapies
