What are some side effects from having a hook removal of a vein in my leg?

I've had four laser removals. Now they want to do a hook removal. What are some side effects of this procedure?

Answers from doctors (5)


The hook removal or ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure to remove large bulging varicose veins from under the skin. Generally, laser closures do not eliminate varicose veins. I do this procedure at the same time as laser closures to address everything at once, but maybe in your case the varicose veins weren't present at the time. The procedure is very safe. The most common side effect is local discomfort for a week or two, less likely local numbness or regrowth of spider veins in the immediate area. Infection rate if done correctly is very low. Good luck!

Tom Rank APRN

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

The hook removal or ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure to remove large bulging varicose veins from under the skin. Generally, laser closures do not eliminate varicose veins. I do this procedure at the same time as laser closures to address everything at once, but maybe in your case the varicose veins weren't present at the time. The procedure is very safe. The most common side effect is local discomfort for a week or two, less likely local numbness or regrowth of spider veins in the immediate area. Infection rate if done correctly is very low. Good luck!

Tom Rank APRN

Published on Jul 11, 2012


San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Published on Mar 21, 2017

Side effects from phlebectomy are almost non-existent.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8270_1499899210.jpg
Answered by San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Side effects from phlebectomy are almost non-existent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2017

It is very unusual for one person to need 4 laser ablations. As a Board Certified Vascular surgeon specializing in vein treatments we rarely see this. I also, for the convenience of my patients, will remove bulging varicose veins at the same setting. This not only reduces the number of procedures my patient needs, less time off work and reducing the cost to you and the insurance. This procedure is called phlebectomy and should be done in the office under local anesthetic as is the laser ablation. Some surgeons prefer this in a surgery center which then involves conscious sedation or anesthetic, increased risks and much increased cost to everyone. So if your veins did not resolve after the ablations (50% won't) then this is a good option for you. We do not recommend injections for bulging varicose veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is very unusual for one person to need 4 laser ablations. As a Board Certified Vascular surgeon specializing in vein treatments we rarely see this. I also, for the convenience of my patients, will remove bulging varicose veins at the same setting. This not only reduces the number of procedures my patient needs, less time off work and reducing the cost to you and the insurance. This procedure is called phlebectomy and should be done in the office under local anesthetic as is the laser ablation. Some surgeons prefer this in a surgery center which then involves conscious sedation or anesthetic, increased risks and much increased cost to everyone. So if your veins did not resolve after the ablations (50% won't) then this is a good option for you. We do not recommend injections for bulging varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VEININNOVATIONS

Published on Mar 21, 2017

The procedure you are referring to is called ambulatory microphlebectomy. It involves making very small incisions through which a vein hook is placed to pull the varicose veins out. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. Side effects include bruising and soreness. You will also have numerous small incisions along the course of the vein that can sometimes feel lumpy. Usually this resolves in about 6 or so weeks leaving a nice cosmetic result.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8254_1483030451.jpg
Answered by VEININNOVATIONS

The procedure you are referring to is called ambulatory microphlebectomy. It involves making very small incisions through which a vein hook is placed to pull the varicose veins out. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. Side effects include bruising and soreness. You will also have numerous small incisions along the course of the vein that can sometimes feel lumpy. Usually this resolves in about 6 or so weeks leaving a nice cosmetic result.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Vein Care

Published on Mar 20, 2017

Phlebectomy of the varicose veins with a hook have minor side effects: nerve damage (numbness), failure of vein removal, phlebitis and injury to lymphatics.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1248_1499989737.jpg
Answered by Center for Vein Care

Phlebectomy of the varicose veins with a hook have minor side effects: nerve damage (numbness), failure of vein removal, phlebitis and injury to lymphatics.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Phlebectomy

Phlebectomy -2 answers
I'm desperate to have a good wash. I had the procedure performed four ago.This is now day five.
See More
Phlebectomy -5 answers
Also, why is there pain in my groin after the varicose vein was removed?
See More
Phlebectomy -3 answers
I am going back for my post-op checkup on Wednesday, but am wondering about swelling in my ankles. I had a phlebectomy a little over a week ago and quite a few veins were removed. Over these past two days, my ankles have become really swollen. Why is this happening? Is this normal?
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
After my stab avulsions/phlebotomy, an ultrasound indicated that I have a swollen lymph node. Is this normal? I had EVLT late January and the stab avulsion March 25th, ultrasound March 31st.
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
I've elevated my leg and adjusted the leg wrap, but still swollen.
See More
Phlebectomy -3 answers
I had the GSV removed from my left leg and LSV removed my right leg. However, the doctor inadvertently took the wrong veins from the wrong legs. He took healthy veins and left behind the bad veins. I'm not asking you to respond to the doctor's actions, I'm asking what now? What complications might I face? Is treatment still possible? I still have pain and a black mark on the back of my left leg where I did have superficial thrombophlebitis.
See More
Phlebectomy -3 answers
I'm 25 years old. I recently had a varicose vein removed. For 48 hours I had to ice it 15 minutes each hour and wear thigh-high medial grade compression socks around the clock. My leg is now so tender and feels very bruised but doesn't look bruised. Is this normal?
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
Five years after having a phlebectomy, new veins appeared and my leg started to ache whenever I carried weight up to the point to be unable to carry my laptop in my backpack. Have you encountered this situation before? Why does it occur?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Phlebectomy -2 answers
I danced a little to a couple of fast songs two days after having phlebectomy done.
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
In April I had a phlebectomy performed and I have waited an appropriate time for the results I expected. I went to the doctor because I was experiencing pain and noticed veins bulging in my ankle and the back and inner side of my right calf. Those veins are still bulging and the pain is still there. I don't know what he did but I'm still suffering. I have all these little scars and nothing to show for it. I can't get back in to see him until the end of the year. What's up with that? I'm age 59.
See More
Phlebectomy -5 answers
12 days ago I had schlerotherapy and microphlebectomy on the fold of the foot and during the proceedure I felt an excruciating burning and pain that traveled to the end of my foot. I still can't stretch that foot without feeling that pain.
See More
Phlebectomy -2 answers
My dad has a calf DVT that turns his leg blackish. Would a phlebectomy help? I hope that if that vein was cauterized the other veins would take over and he would be more comfortable to fly and have a better quality of life overall.
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
I can only walk for short periods of time or lie down. I was told I could go back to work after 24 hours. However I feel that I will be out of work 1 or 2 more days. What is the normal time off of work for the behind the knee phlebectomy?
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
I had a phlebectomy of my foot varicose veins, along with EVLA for my leg's varicose veins. I've noticed that on my foot and ankle, where I have stitches, there is swelling. I am 2 days into recovery. Does this go away?
See More
Phlebectomy -2 answers
I had laser done to my lessor saph. vein along with ambulatory phlebectomy (done in late September). There was a residual varicose vein that was missed which was injected with sclerotherapy (mid November). I had ultra sound reports from other places saying that a re-fluxing preforator was the main cause of my reflux. I still have a heaviness in my leg and I am worried it is being caused by my preforator which I was told the phlebectomy would treat (by cutting off the connection).
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
Two weeks post-op, and still in pain. I have a somewhat large lump (inner knee area) that is making it extremely painful to walk. It is still bruised, and very swollen. My doctor's office is having a hard time squeezing me in for my follow up ultrasound, and I'm wondering if I should seek immediate care or if there is something I can do at home for relief.
See More
Phlebectomy -1 answer
I also have a knot in my foot. I went back and was told that the knot will go away. I never had a swollen foot before. The phlebectomy was six weeks ago.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR