Varicose veins : treatment in the UK

Varicose veins are a frequently occurring condition with up to 40% of women and 25% of men likely to suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, pain and swelling of the lower limbs. Soft tissue breakdown leading to ulceration can result if left untreated.

Treatment can take the form of varicose vein surgery, or a new laser treatment for varicose veins, laser ablation, which includes techniques such as EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) and ELVeS (Endolaser Vein System). These new varicose vein treatment techniques mean that suitable patients can be treated as outpatients, under local anaesthetic in around one hour.