Advantages and disadvantages of general anaesthetic vein surgery

Firstly, there really is virtually no advantage whatsoever to general anaesthetic vein surgery. All of these new catheter techniques can be performed under local anaesthetic at a great advantage in terms of getting rid of the general anaesthetic itself as well as the costs of the anaesthetist and hospital stay.

Using general anaesthetic to perform open surgery by using the tying and stripping techniques, is really turning back the clock and accepting very sub-standard surgery with poor long-term results compared to the new techniques available.

Really, the only advantage now that could be put forward for general anaesthetic, is the ability to get all of the operation on one leg performed at one sitting.

Although this suits some people, this really is a very minor advantage compared to the great advantages of local anaesthetic techniques.

If you, or someone you know, are concerned about Varicose Veins then please contact us for more information, or to book an appointment to see one our specialists.