Performed by Galen as early as the second century, stab phlebectomy (also referred to as ambulatory phlebectomy) came back into modern favor during the 1960s and has increased in popularity ever since. This procedure is extremely useful for the treatment of residual vein clusters after saphenectomy and for removal of nontruncal tributaries when Stab Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins Dr. Robert Jimenez | Vascular Surgery Specialist Margate, FL, Broward, Miami-Dabe // Services // Stab Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins Coming soon Compression of the treated leg (s) will be necessary for two to three weeks. • During the immediate postoperative period, avoid prolonged sitting or standing. We encourage you to walk and when lying down to keep your legs elevated. • If the outer dressing is constricting, causing numbness or pain, you may remove and rewrap it. Definition. Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical approach to the treatment of varicose veins. It is also sometimes called phlebectomy. Ligation refers to the surgical tying off of a large vein in the leg called the greater saphenous vein, while stripping refers to the removal of this vein through incisions in the groin area or behind the knee. Ambulatory Phlebectomy Ambulatory phlebectomy for treating varicose veins is proven and medically necessary in certain circumstances. For medical necessity clinical coverage criteria, refer to the InterQual ® CP: Procedures, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Varicose Vein for: Hook Phlebectomy Microphlebectomy Mini Phlebectomy Stab Avulsion Stab Phlebectomy What Should I Expect After Ambulatory Phlebectomy? Patients will often experience significant bruising, significant redness and a feeling of warmth in the areas of treatment. These issues will typically resolve within one to two weeks. You may also experience bleeding from a phlebectomy site. This can be quite significant. If you encounter 2. This picture shows the incisions and you can see the markings the doctor made before the surgery so he knew where to make his incisions on the lower part of my leg, front and back. Before the surgery he had me stand up to have all of the blood fill the veins so he knew where he would have to do the stab phlebectomy. 3. Following an ambulatory phlebectomy, the treated leg is likely to drain fluid for the first 48 hours. As a result, the dressing and perhaps even the compression stocking may feel slightly damp. Post-procedure symptoms and discomfort are highly variable from patient to patient. Post-Procedure Care for Ambulatory Phlebectomy Because they heal quickly, after 6-12 months the small slit-like incisions made during an ambulatory phlebectomy should be practically imperceptible. Recovery time is immediate, however, temporary bruising or swelling may occur after the procedure. Advantages of a Phlebectomy. A phlebectomy has a long-term success rate of 90%. Once initial bruising resolves, there is a noticeable reduction in varicose veins. A phlebectomy has the following additional benefits over other procedures: It is minimally invasive. The procedure only requires local anesthesia. Pads are put into place to absorb the fluids and a bandage is applied to the area. A compression bandage may be required for about one to two days after ambulatory phlebectomy to aid in healing. Patients may be advised to walk after the procedure so that the contraction of muscles in the legs rids the area of excess flui