If you have varicose veins, you’ve likely wondered about how to get rid of them. In some serious cases, that may require surgery. Surgery for varicose veins is common yet still considered major surgery so it’s important to know what will happen the day of your surgery as well as anesthetics that will be used.
We will perform your surgery right in our doctor’s office. Depending on how invasive your surgery will determine what level of anesthesia you will need. Your options are either general anesthesia or local anesthesia:
- General anesthesia uses intravenous (IV) medication and/or gases that put you in a deep sleep. This deep sleep helps keep you unaware of the procedure taking place and makes it painless.
- Local anesthesia is also known as a nerve block. Unlike general anesthesia where you’re fully “under”, local anesthesia simply numbs nerves around the area. This is done by injecting an anesthetic in the skin and tissues of the treatment area. You will also likely have sedation with local anesthesia to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Prior to your surgery, it’s a good idea to discuss any past medical procedures or family history with anesthesia. On the day of your surgery, you will meet an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist that will explain the drugs they will be administering and what you can expect. It’s normal to feel nervous about “going under” but the odds are in your favor and risks are generally low.
There will be a surgical team monitoring your vital signs and other critical body functions so there is no need to fear. This team will continue monitoring your vital signs throughout the procedure and recovery until you are alert, breathing on your own, and all of your vital signs are stable.
If you have questions or concerns about anesthesia, we’re here to help. If you’d like to learn more about varicose vein treatments or to schedule a consultation with us, call 817.235.0769 today! We’d love to answer any questions you have.