Before deciding on the procedure, it is necessary to do a clinical examination of varicose veins and consult a vascular surgeon.
Miniphlebectomy is one of the therapeutic procedures in the treatment of varicose vein disease. Varicose veins are a common health and aesthetic problem. It is estimated that over 50% of the population over the age of 30 suffers from varicose veins, and the frequency of occurrence is almost twice as high in women.
In addition to being an aesthetic problem, varicose veins are also a serious health problem that, if neglected, can lead to dangerous consequences for health. Modern medicine for the treatment of varicose veins offers a full range of therapeutic procedures.
One of the methods of treatment is miniphlebectomy, also known as phlebectomy. Given that it is a “small” surgical procedure, it is sometimes called outpatient phlebectomy, microphlebectomy or surgical removal of varicose veins.
Miniphlebectomy is a surgical method of removing varicose veins of minimal invasiveness, which can be performed as an independent therapeutic procedure or in combination with other therapeutic procedures, depending on the stage of the disease and the recommendations of a subspecialist doctor – vascular surgeon.
The procedure involves the removal of superficial varicose veins through very small incisions (1 to 2 mm in diameter) on the skin. During the procedure, special surgical hooks are used to remove the affected veins. This therapeutic procedure is mainly performed in the area of the lower legs, on the back of the foot and ankle where varicose veins most often occur.
The goal of miniphlebectomy is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease, prevent the spread of varicose vein disease, improve the quality of life and the aesthetic appearance of the legs.
Miniphlebectomy can also be used to prevent complications of varicose veins such as thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the superficial veins), to stop bleeding from varicose veins or to treat chronic venous insufficiency with venous ulcers (open wounds caused by varicose veins).
Before deciding on the procedure, it is necessary to do a clinical examination of varicose veins and consult a vascular surgeon. Our experienced vascular surgeon will be able to determine at the initial examination what stage of the disease it is and whether additional diagnostic tests are needed to determine the condition of the veins in detail.
In a conversation with the surgeon, it is certainly necessary to go through the medical history in detail, determine the current problems and motivation for the procedure. Our doctor will explain the course of the procedure and talk to you about contraindications, possible side effects and procedures that will need to be performed before and after the miniphlebectomy.
Depending on the therapeutic goals of miniphlebectomy, the procedure can be performed in combination with other procedures in order to achieve maximum health and aesthetic effect in the treatment of varicose vein disease.
Low invasiveness, excellent aesthetic effect and fast recovery time make the miniphlebectomy procedure applicable to a wide range of patients suffering from varicose veins.
However, there are certain clients who have this procedure not recommended due to the high risk of complications after the procedure or the existence of comorbidities (other diseases).
Whether you are a good candidate for a miniphlebectomy and which method of treating varicose veins is best for you depends on the stage to which the disease has progressed and your symptoms. An important factor is the existence of contraindications, but also the goals that are to be achieved by the selected therapeutic procedure.
The experience of the vascular surgeon is therefore decisive in choosing a treatment method. After the initial examination and the necessary diagnostic tests, our vascular surgeon will assess which therapeutic procedure will provide you with long-lasting results with a quick return to daily activities.
Although there are also non-surgical options for the treatment of varicose veins, miniphlebectomy is still one of the better choices for achieving the desired health and aesthetic effect. Although it is essentially a surgical procedure, postoperative hospital treatment is not required, and pain and discomfort after the procedure is minimal, and recovery is relatively fast.
During the consultation with our doctor, you will receive detailed instructions that need to be followed before performing the procedure itself. Please note that before surgery, it is necessary to emphasize if you are taking anticoagulant medication and indicate drug allergies to avoid possible complications.
Given that this is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia, a return to daily activities is possible very soon after the procedure. The procedure itself takes a relatively short time, on average 1 to 2 hours.
In the period from 7 to 10 days before the miniphlebectomy procedure, it is not recommended to take medications with acetylsalicylic acid , as it can negatively affect blood clotting.
During this period, it is also necessary to avoid taking sleeping pills and alcohol.
If you are a smoker, we advise you to limit your nicotine consumption preferably a few weeks before the procedure.
After the procedure, you can go home the same day. Further instructions from our staff on postoperative care should be followed to ensure proper healing and minimize recovery time.
Miniphlebectomy is often performed on an outpatient basis. Although it is a low-invasive procedure, this surgical therapeutic procedure at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic is performed in an operating room equipped with all the instruments necessary to provide emergency medical assistance in case of complications.
Immediately before the procedure, our surgeon will mark the nodes with veins that will be removed during the procedure. For accuracy, during the marking of the area, the patient should be in a standing position. When standing, varicose veins fill up, so it is easier to see where exactly incisions (incisions) need to be made.
After marking, local anesthesia is applied, and the surgical area is disinfected and sterilely covered. After preparing the surgical area, the procedure itself is performed.
Our vascular surgeon makes small incisions 1 to 2 millimeters thick on the marked areas with microsurgical instruments. After opening, he finds varicose veins in the area of the procedure with small surgical hooks and a clamp, which he separates from the surrounding tissue and removes.
Depending on the schedule and the number of varicose veins that need to be removed, a miniphlebectomy takes an average of 1 to 2 hours. The incisions made heal on their own and no stitching is required after the procedure. Upon completion of the procedure, a compression bandage is applied to the area of the procedure, and after the procedure, an elastic compression stocking is worn.
After the procedure, it is necessary to wear an elastic compression stocking on the treated area for 2 to 4 weeks.
For the first week after the procedure, the compression stocking is worn both during the day and during the night, and the remaining time only during the day. For the first week, it is necessary to avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
Sports activities should not be carried out for 4 to 6 weeks after miniphlebectomy, but it is necessary to maintain light physical activity.
On the first day after the procedure, you should walk for 5 minutes every hour. On the second day of the procedure, you can walk for 15 minutes, two to three times a day. This improves blood flow in the veins and reduces the risk of clots and thrombosis.
Over the next few days after the procedure, you can gradually return to your normal daily activities. A feeling of discomfort in the legs or swelling of the treated area is possible, for this reason it is necessary to raise the leg to an elevated position 3 to 4 times a day.
Negative consequences after the miniphlebectomy procedure are rare. After a successful procedure, recovery proceeds relatively quickly. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, the occurrence of side effects or complications is possible.
In order to prevent possible complications, it is crucial to wear a compression elastic stocking in accordance with the instructions of our staff throughout the postoperative period.
Given that smaller incisions are made on the surface of the skin during miniphlebectomy, it is common for blue spots (bruises) and a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the legs. These consequences usually disappear within a few days after the procedure.
Temporary swelling and a feeling of tightness in the legs can be the result of lymph accumulation and blood clotting (hematoma). The mentioned symptoms are not a big cause for concern because they are successfully solved with the proper application of a compression elastic stocking.
Depending on the overall health picture, less often the occurrence of wound healing disorders or the formation of an infection in the surgical area is possible. These complications of miniphlebectomy can be prevented by detailed communication with our doctor and proper care during the postoperative period.
If you start to feel long-term severe pain on the leg on which the miniphlebectomy was performed, you should immediately contact our staff, as this is a sign of circulatory disorders that can lead to the formation of a blood clot.
Our vascular surgeon will give you the appropriate pharmacological therapy and advise you on procedures to prevent dangerous consequences.
Generally speaking, serious complications of miniphlebectomy are rare. The procedure is minimally invasive and no stitches are applied after the procedure, so recovery is relatively fast.
Possible complications are reduced to side effects as with any other surgical procedure and the use of local anesthesia. Most complications can be prevented with proper care and following the instructions of a healthcare professional.
The Multidisciplinary Center for Veins at the LF Polyclinic brings together a top team of experts and subspecialists. We are committed to providing high-quality healthcare service to improve the quality of life and health of our clients. That is why we are available for all your questions at every step of the process.
Polyclinic Lohuis Filipović provides a complete service of diagnosis and treatment of chronic vein diseases. We use all forms of modern modern treatment of veins – from classical surgery to minimally invasive radiofrequency and laser procedures.
We put emphasis on a complete solution to all forms of vein disease and quick recovery and return to daily activities. You can contact us by phone at +3851 2444646 or via our online form. Working hours for appointments and consultations with medical staff are Monday to Friday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
