eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Surgical

Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Workup

Author: Robert Weiss, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Coauthor(s): Albert-Adrien Ramelet, MD, Specialist in Dermatology and Angiology, Switzerland
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Nov 16, 2009

Workup

Laboratory Studies

  • Hematologic or other laboratory investigations are not typically normally required, unless indicated by previous disorders revealed by patient history
  • If previous episodes of venous thrombosis have occurred, testing for a factor V Leiden and/or prothrombin 20210 mutation is recommended as these patients are poor surgical candidates.

Imaging Studies

  • Duplex ultrasound mapping: Preoperative clinical and ultrasonographic detection and mapping of all types of varicosities and their origins are essential. Evaluation of the integrity of the deep venous system and calf muscle pump should be assessed.

Histologic Findings

Histologic specimens of removed varicose vein typically demonstrate features of varicose veins that have had a dynamic response to venous hypertension. Varicose veins are dilated and tortuous veins with significantly larger wall areas and higher amounts of collagen. Varicose veins have a higher content of smooth muscle and elastin.

More on Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Overview: Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Workup: Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Treatment: Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Follow-up: Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Multimedia: Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

ambulatory phlebectomy, varicose vein ambulatory phlebectomy, varicose vein treatment, stab avulsion of varicose veins, phlebectomy hooks, venous insufficiency, reflux circuit, superficial varicose veins, varicose branches, venous valve failure, stasis dermatitis, superficial phlebitis, hook avulsion of varicose veins

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Robert Weiss, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Robert Weiss, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Phlebology, American Dermatological Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and MedChi
Disclosure: Angiodynamics Honoraria Speaking and teaching; CoolTouch Corp Intellectual property rights Consulting; Cynosure Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Palomar Grant/research funds Independent contractor

Coauthor(s)

Albert-Adrien Ramelet, MD, Specialist in Dermatology and Angiology, Switzerland
Disclosure: Servier Honoraria Speaking and teaching; OM Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Medical Editor

Désirée Ratner, MD, Director of Dermatologic Surgery, Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Désirée Ratner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic
David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

John G Albertini, MD, Consulting Staff, Dermatologic Surgery, The Skin Surgery Center; Program Director, ACGME accredited Fellowship in Procedural Dermatology
John G Albertini, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Glen H Crawford, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital
Glen H Crawford, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of USAF Flight Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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