Varicose vein laser treatment

Before the procedure the consultant will use a portable ultrasound to mark the position of the end of the vein in the groin and the best site for an incision at the knee or lower depending on the site of the varicose veins. A small incision is then made at the lower end and a catheter is passed up inside the vein. Once the catheter is positioned, a laser probe is then passed up the catheter to the groin. Local anaesthetic is injected around the vein to ease any discomfort and provide a liquid barrier to protect the leg. As the laser probe is withdrawn, short bursts of energy are used to seal the vein.  After the probe and catheter have been removed, the incision is stitched and the leg bandaged to reduce swelling and bruising. The procedure usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour for one leg.

If you have only had one leg treated you will not, generally, need to stay very long in hospital and may be free to leave after as little as an hour. You should not of course expect to drive home. Your consultant will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Following treatment you should expect to return to normal activity after a couple of days and to continue to wear the compression bandage for a week to ten days.

The benefits of laser treatment over the more traditional surgical approach are believed to be:

• A shorter time in hospital
• Less bruising after the operation
• A faster return to normal activity

However, laser treatment is not appropriate for all patients or performed in all BMI hospitals.