What are Varicose Veins?

TREATMENT
BEHIND KNEE (Before / After)
SHIN (Before / After)
Most patients need an ultrasound map to accurately assess
the extent and severity of the varicose veins.
C O M P R E H E N S I V E V E I N T R E AT M E N T
The three options for treatment are either surgery, sclerotherapy
or a combination of both. We will discuss the different treatment
options so you can choose what suits you best.
What are Varicose Veins?
Blood travels away from the
heart through arteries and
travels back to the heart through
veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that have lost their
function due to a breakdown in
the one-way valves within them.
They can vary from very large
ULTRASOUND Picture of leg vein
protruding veins to small spider
veins. Varicose veins can cause
symptoms in the legs such as aching, heaviness, tiredness,
cramps, burning, swelling, itching, ulcers, bleeding and
OPTION 1. Surgical Treatment
Varicose vein surgery is usually performed as a day-stay
procedure. You will require a general anaesthetic and surgery
takes 1 - 2 hours on average.
There are two main operations for varicose veins. The large vein
on the inside of the thigh or on the back of the calf may need to
be removed. In addition, a series of small 2 - 3 mm incisions are
made over the prominent remaining veins to allow these to be
removed. The main incisions are closed with a dissolving stitch
and the smaller incisions with surgical tape.
Most people are up and about the next day and fit to return
to work within a few days. Surgery is intended to deal with the
large varicose veins. Small residual veins and spider veins are
best treated with sclerotherapy at a later date.
Significant improvements in varicose vein surgery over
recent years include:
• use of ultrasound for pre-operative assessment and
marking of veins;
• inversion stripping of large veins, that has replaced the
more traumatic technique of external stripping, thus
reducing bruising and recovery time;
• small incisions and the use of a special phlebectomy hook
to remove the veins has reduced the size and appearance
of surgical scars;
• day-stay anaesthesia - modern anaesthetic techniques
and drugs have reduced the time spent in hospital and
overall recovery.
superficial clotting.
Varicose veins no longer contribute to the flow of blood
back to the heart. Treating them takes away stress on the
OPTION 2. Sclerotherapy
Significant improvements in sclerotherapy over recent
years include:
Involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein using a
fine needle. The vein walls subsequently adhere to each other
closing off the abnormal segment of vein. This process can take
a few weeks for spider veins, to several months for large veins.
• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (ECHO Sclerotherapy)
Used for the treatment of larger and deeper varicose veins
with ultrasound to localise the vein before it is injected.
normal veins.
Causes of varicose veins include lack of exercise, sedentary
lifestyle, obesity, smoking, the contraceptive pill and
pregnancy. They can be hereditary and are more common
in women. The development of varicose veins can be delayed
in some individuals by regular exercise, high fibre diet and
maintaining a healthy weight.
Several injections are given in each treatment session which
usually takes 20-30 mins. After treament a stocking is worn and
daily walking as required. You do not require an anaesthetic.
• Micro-Sclerotherapy Treatment - Even tiny spider veins
respond to treatment using a very fine needle.
• Endovenous Laser Treatment - A newer technique for the treatment of larger and deeper varicose veins using local anaesthetic
and a laser beam to seal the vein under ultrasound guidance.
S P E C IA LISTS
Mr Smith and Dr Connell work as a team offering a
comprehensive surgical and non-surgical treatment
of varicose veins.
C O M P R E H E N S I V E V E I N T R E AT M E N T
C O M P R E H E N S I V E V E I N T R E AT M E N T
Appointments can be made directly or by referral from
your regular doctor.
Mr Trevor Smith & Dr Ivan Connell
Ascot Integrated Hospital
H O W TO F I N D U S
Mr Trevor Smith
Treating all types of venous leg conditions
from large varicose veins to small spider veins
Specialist General Surgeon
More than 10 years experience in the surgical treatment of varicose veins. He has a special interest in
the use of ultrasound in venous assessment.
• Duplex Ultrasound Venous Mapping
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• Latest Surgical Techniques
%NTRANCE
Dr Ivan Connell
Phlebologist & Sclerotherapist
Specialising in sclerotherapy (non-surgical treatment
of veins) since 1997, trained by and is a member of the
Australasian College of Phlebology. An experienced
medical practitioner in general practice and obstetrics since 1985. Dr Connell performs all non-surgical
treatments for varicose veins, including ultrasound
guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment
and micro-sclerotherapy.
Conveniently located at the Ascot Hospital just off the
Greenlane/Motorway interchange on Greenlane Road East.
Parking is available in front of the Hospital. Our Clinic is
situated on the Ground Floor adjacent to Ascot Radiology.
T H E VA R I C O S E V E I N C L I N I C
Medical Insurance
Both are affiliated providers to Southern Cross Healthcare.
Treatment may also be covered by other insurance providers.
Suite 1, Ascot Hospital
90 Greenlane Road East, Remuera, Auckland
Phone: 09 520 9670 Fax: 09 520 9671
• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous Laser Treatment