Outpatient varicose vein surgery under local anaesthesia

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Varicose vein operations traditionally involve significant recovery times.
• Day surgical units offer potential for improved patient throughput and reduced healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia for varicose vein stripping in a day surgical setting.
• To assess patient outcomes, complication rates, and waiting times associated with this anesthetic technique.

Main Methods:

• 186 varicose vein operations were performed using local anesthesia.
• The long saphenous vein was stripped in 87 legs, utilizing a femoral nerve block.
• Patient follow-up included assessment for readmission, complications, and residual varices.

Main Results:

• All 186 patients were discharged on the day of surgery with no readmissions.
• Complications were minimal, including wound infections, thrombophlebitis, and saphenous neuritis.
• 35 patients had minor residual varices, with 29 requiring injection sclerotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Local anesthesia is a safe and acceptable method for varicose vein surgery in a day surgical unit.
• The technique led to a mean waiting time reduction to 3.1 months.
• This approach enhances patient convenience and potentially reduces healthcare system burden.