Learn more about the Saphenous Vein
Watch videos from our specialist, Dr. Joana de Carvalho, and learn more about the saphenous vein.
What is Saphenous Vein Stripping?
Saphenous vein stripping is a surgical procedure to eliminate varicose veins in the legs and prevent the appearance of new ones.
A specialist doctor may recommend vein removal when the patient has medical complaints, but it can also be done when there are aesthetic concerns about the appearance of the legs.
Before and After Cases of the Saphenous Vein Stripping Surgical Procedure
See the difference between varicose veins and strokes before and after vascular surgery.
Saphenous vein stripping and surgical excision of varicose veins. Learn more about varicose veins and spider veins.
Saphenous Vein Stripping Treatment
Varicose vein treatment through stripping of the great saphenous vein is performed in an outpatient clinic or in the operating room.
It consists of removing the vein through small incisions, approximately 2 to 3 cm, one in the groin and the other below the knee.
Through these cuts, the vascular surgeon can pass a flexible plastic wire from the groin to the knee.
The wire is attached to the vein and is then pulled through the cut further down the leg.
If other damaged veins are detected, the doctor may make small cuts along them to remove them. This procedure is called an outpatient phlebectomy and treats superficial varicose veins.
To finish the stripping, the cuts are closed with stitches, nylon or staples.
Contraindications
Vein stripping is not recommended for people with:
- Pregnancy;
- Obesity;
- Poor circulation in the legs;
- Blood clotting problems;
- Skin infections.
Procedure
1h – 1h30
Performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting or under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
The patient can resume their usual activities after 1 week. Physical activity should be resumed after 30 days.
Post-treatment
After stripping the saphenous vein, absolute rest is not recommended, so you must be able to walk around.
The patient must wear the compression stocking for 24 hours after the procedure. After that, it should only be worn during the day for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Total recovery always depends on the number of varicose veins treated.
It is advisable for the patient to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and eat light meals.
The groin scar becomes unnoticeable in a short time, due to its location, size and suturing technique used (intradermal).
Medical Specialist
in Saphenous Vein Stripping
Dr. Joana de Carvalho
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Member of the College of Phlebology
Specialist Doctor
in Saphenous Vein Stripping
Prof. Doctor Sergio Sampaio
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- PhD from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
Specialist Doctor
in Saphenous Vein Stripping
Dr. José Carlos Vidoedo
- Graduated in Medicine from the University of Porto (FMUP)
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Author and co-author of several communications and articles.
Medical Specialist
in Saphenous Vein Stripping
Dr. Filipa Jácome
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Master's Degree in Medicine, from the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS)
- Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP)
- She was awarded 5 scientific merit awards.
English (UK)