Summary
More than 50 years ago, the Swiss dermatologist Dr Robert Muller developed ambulatory
phlebectomy, a brilliant demonstration of the major role of dermatologists in the
field of phlebology. The technique is safe, reliable and cost-effective, while at
the same time producing aesthetically pleasing results. Patients can usually resume
normal daily activities immediately after the procedure or are off work for a few
days at most. Indications for ambulatory phlebectomy include incompetent saphenous
veins (except the junctions) and their tributaries, perforators, reticular veins and
reticular feeder veins, large spider veins and dilated veins in other areas such as
around the eyes, on the arms or on the back of the hands.
The tiny skin incisions do not usually leave any scars or give rise to complications.
Phlebectomy can be used alone or in combination with other procedures such as sclerotherapy,
endovenous techniques and surgery.
Keywords
Varicose veins - surgery - telangiectasia - spider veins - phlebectomy - tumescent
anaesthesia - START therapy
