Vein Surgery is also known as phlebectomy or avulsion of veins and is a common treatment for varicose veins. It is usually a minimally invasive treatment carried out under local anaesthetic, with sedation, as a day-procedure. It works by surgically removing individual varicose veins (avulsion) and/or longer varicose vein segments (stripping) and also tying-off (ligation) varicose veins. Often under ultrasound guidance the surgeon places a small incision (cut) in the skin over the varicose vein and after treatment closes this small wound (usually 2-4mm) with a steri-strip (adhesive tape) or occasionally a temporary suture (stitch). Usually a temporary bandage or compression stocking is applied to the leg after treatment. The treatment will normally take only 20-30 minutes per leg and you will be able to walk out of the day-procedure unit later that day. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and mild bruising and return to full activity and work (if relevant) after a few days. Wounds usually heal in 5 to 7 days.