Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) represented a major improvement over older surgical techniques. With AP, a surgeon could remove veins through a 2-3 mm incision. Although usually performed under general anesthesia, AP can be performed in a limited fashion in the surgeon's office under local anesthesia. AP can be a long and tedious operation for the surgeon. AP is a "blind" operation that frequently results in persistant (missed) veins and nerve damage. Ambulatory Phlebectomy has been largely replaced by TriVex and TES (Tumescent Enhanced Sclerotherapy).