It pays to keep a watchful eye.

If you notice one of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your general practitioner: swollen feet or legs, night cramps in the lower leg, small blue, swollen veins on your feet, patches of brown pigmented skin, eczema on your ankles or lower legs. These symptoms may be an indication that your varicose veins may not be harmless.

Examination

Whether any form of inter-vention is necessary at all and, if so, which form of treatment or surgical method is advisable in your case, is a matter best decided after a personal consultation and thorough physical examination. For optimal results, a surgeon normally requires an in-depth ultrasound scan of the veins by an experienced phlebologist (vein specialist) before any
surgical intervention takes place.

Costs

Surgical treatment of varicose veins for health reasons is classed as a necessary procedure and is usually covered by state health insurance and supplementary insurance policies.

Anaesthetic

Basically there is a choice between two forms of anaesthetic. The first is a general anaesthetic and the second is an epidural (from the legs dowwards). It is up to you to decide which form you prefer. An experienced anaesthetist can advise you on the options.