Saphenous Vein Stripping
Saphenous vein stripping is the gold standard procedure for the elimination of greater saphenous vein incompetence. It has been performed safely for many years. The techniques however, have improved greatly over the last five to ten years. It is now possible to use very small incisions and patients experience a two to three day recovery and usually are back to normal activity within a week.
The benefits of a stripping procedure are that it is a definitive operation in that it is the most direct form of eliminating failed veins. It has the lowest rate of recurrence and has a very low rate of subsequent follow-up procedures such as sclerotherapy.
The downsides are that it requires a general anesthetic and additional hospital expenses. Bruising in the thigh typically lasts for 2-3 weeks and there is a moderate amount of thigh discomfort that lasts one to four days. Most people require a recovery period away from work for a week, but after two to three weeks they feel great.
