Guide To Treating Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Strip Or Remove The Vein

In severe or recurring conditions, a doctor can strip or remove the vein surgically, a process that requires local anesthetic. A doctor will remove the great saphenous vein by inserting a tiny plastic or metal wire into it and pulling it out of the body. Though incisions are usually quite small, an overnight hospital stay is required, and recovery can take between two to eight weeks. As with any surgery, patients need to watch for signs of infection including redness of the incision sites, fever, and swelling. Other risks include bruising, scar formation, and swelling in the leg due to lymphatic system disruption during surgery. A rare, but serious risk includes damage to the saphenous nerve, which could cause numbness and tingling.