eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Surgical

Varicose Veins Treated With Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Follow-up

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

Outcome and Prognosis

Long-term results after phlebectomy are excellent when the procedure is performed for the appropriate indications. The main indication is an incompetent primary or secondary branch of the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Long-term success rates of 90% or greater are reported. Long-term success is typically associated with the elimination of high-grade junctional reflux before or immediately prior to phlebectomy. It is common practice to perform an endovenous ablation of saphenous reflux and then perform ambulatory phlebectomy of varicose branches arising from the saphenous system. As with any therapy, new varicose veins may develop over time, and patients must be informed about the likely evolution and progression of venous insufficiency and the associated genetic predisposition.

 


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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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