Treatment of varicose veins overview

NICE (national Institute for clinical excellence) recommends treatment for symptomatic varicose veins. Compression stockings are not recommended as long term treatment for varicose veins, although they can be used temporarily or after treatment for a short time.

There are several approaches to treatment outlined below. A common feature of all definitive treatment is the removal, blockage or interruption of the defective vein trunks giving rise to the visible veins (varicosities).

Endothermal treatment of varicose veins

This involves passing a fine laser fibre or radiofrequency probe into the defective superficial vein trunk leading to the varicose veins. The laser heats up the vein wall causing it to block off. This can be done under local anaesthetic as a day case. More...

Foam Sclerotherapy

This involves injecting a substance into the vein to irritate the lining causing them to block off. The chemical (sclerotherapy agent) is mixed with air and injected under ultrasound guidance into the affected veins. This technique can be performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient. More...

Surgery

This is the traditional way of treating varicose veins. The treatment usually involves tying off the leaky junction between the superficial and deep veins and stripping the main leaky superficial vein. Small incisions are made over the lumpy veins (varicosities) and vein hooks are used to remove them (phlebectomies). Surgery is usually done as a day case under general anaesthetic. More...

Which Treatment is best?

A number of factors need will be taken into consideration before deciding which method to use to treat your varicose veins including the results of the scan I perform in clinic. Patient is an important part of decision making.