Vein Ligation and Stripping

For help deciding whether to have a procedure for varicose veins, see:

Opens New Window Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure? Opens New Window

In the past there was concern about removing the great saphenous vein, because this vein is often used as a replacement or graft for an artery in the heart when a person has bypass surgery. Doctors now believe that there is no reason not to strip the GSV in the leg if needed. If the vein is badly damaged, it will not work as a vein graft anyway. In most cases a blood vessel from the chest (mammary artery) can be used during heart bypass surgery instead of the GSV. If necessary, arm veins can be used.

Vein stripping surgery is seldom done for people who have Reference chronic venous insufficiency Opens New Window (CVI) resulting from deep vein problems and who also have varicose veins. Removing varicose veins close to the surface of the skin (superficial varicose veins) may cause problems if the deep leg veins are also damaged. If you are considering this surgery, get an opinion from a vascular specialist.

If you are thinking of ligation and stripping, consider some Reference questions to ask about varicose vein treatment. These questions include: How much experience does the doctor have with the particular treatment? How much do the exam and treatment cost?

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

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