HIGH LIGATION AND STRIPPING OF THE LONG SAPHENOUS-VEIN USING THE TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE FOR LOCAL-ANESTHESIA

BACKGROUND. Advantages of tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) have been d escribed for use in ambulatory phlebectomy removing large varicose sid e branches. OBJECTIVE. TO evaluate the TLA method for high ligation an d stripping of the long saphenous vein with or without administration of intravenous sedatives. METHODS. Forty-nine patients underwent 58 ph lebosurgical procedures, including 41 ligations and strippings of the long saphenous vein. They were kept in the hospital for 24 hours after surgery to record potential complications and demand for medical assi stance. RESULTS. The surgical procedures were easily performed under T LA without major complications. Minor complications were mild hematoma (n = 2) and temporary inguinal seroma (n = 1). Forty-one percent of t he patients required additional IV sedation and analgesia perioperativ ely. Postsurgical guidance by a physician was necessary only in patien ts on fill-dose heparin. CONCLUSION. The tumescent technique for local anesthesia allows high ligation and stripping of the long saphenous v ein even in both legs in one session, however, frequently with additio nal IV medication. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic S urgery, Inc.