Dr. Fitzgibbons' Approach to Varicose Veins

Dr. Terrence Fitzgibbons practices with Southern California Surgery Associates and has special interest in varicose veins. Dr. Fitzgibbons trained at Los Angeles County – University of Southern California Medical Center and is chairman of the Department of Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

"Varicose vein patients are among my most satisfied patients.”
- Dr. Terrence Fitzgibbons, MD, FACS

What Causes Varicose Veins

Varicose veins affect 40% of women and 25% of men. Varicose veins are basically inherited from your patents and may or may not become visible as you age. Varicose veins are more likely to show in the presence of:

• Obesity
• Female gender
• Prolonged standing
• Pregnancy
• Plebitis (blood clots)
• Leg trauma.

Your veins carry blood back to the heart. Varicose veins are superficial veins that are dilated, non-functioning veins that not only do not carry blood properly back to the heart, but also allow blood to flow away from the heart, causing the symptoms in the legs. Spider veins (or telangietasias) are smaller capillary veins, sometimes painful, most commonly occurring in women.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Aching or cramping in the leg, especially when walking or after a day of prolonged standing. Sensations of heaviness, tiredness, throbbing or tingling may be noted. Eventually swelling, inflammation, ankle ulcers and blood clots may occur.

Treatment

Varicose veins cannot be prevented. Treatment includes exercise, avoiding prolonged standing and weight control. Minimal varicose veins can be treated with support stockings. Sclerotherapy is an injection of a chemical into the smaller varicose veins or spider veins to destroy them. More severe varicose veins can be treated by endo-venous ablation (laser), which is a new innovative approach to varicose veins that only requires a catheter inserted into the vein to destroy it. Surgery is also very effective in treating varicose veins and although is an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time.

Do I need treatment?

Since varicose veins interfere with normal venous function, removing them actually improves venous return in your legs. Your remaining veins are more than adequate for proper drainage.

The decision for treatment is based on your symptoms and the venous anatomy that you may have. A careful physical exam and a Duplex Ultrasound examination, performed in the office, will correctly identify the best treatment.

We will work with you and your insurance carrier to cover the cost of treatment.