Microphlebectomy or stab avulsion for varicose veins

Microphlebectomy (also known as ambulatory phlebectomy or stab avulsion) is a technique to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, several tiny incisions are made in the skin through which the varicosed vein is removed. Stitches usually are not required.

Until recently, this procedure required general anesthesia or regional anesthesia and was not usually performed on an outpatient basis. Now, this procedure can sometimes be performed in your doctor's office under light sedation with local anesthesia.

Is it safe?

Stab avulsion usually does not lead to complications. Possible complications include short-term skin color change, infection, pain, and tiny red spider veins.

How well does it work?

Stab avulsion is less likely to work when the leg veins are not working well (venous insufficiency). This is the cause of most varicose veins. For this reason, stab avulsion is usually used with vein surgery (ligation) to tie off the problem vein.¹

Citations

1. Bartholomew JR, et al. (2005). Varicose veins: Newer, better treatments available. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 72(4): 312–328.