Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a vein, generally in the arm. It's also known as a blood draw or venipuncture and is used to diagnose a variety of medical disorders.
Blood is usually sent to a laboratory for examination. However, blood is sometimes withheld as a treatment for specific medical disorders. Therapeutic phlebotomy is the term for this. Extra red blood cells, abnormally shaped red blood cells, and excess iron in the blood are all removed. Hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, porphyria cutanea tarda, sickle cell disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are all treated with therapeutic phlebotomy.
Bloodletting has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. The Egyptians started it, and it spread to the Greeks and Romans before reaching Asia and Europe.
Many medical disorders, including fever, headache, loss of appetite, and digestive problems, were historically treated using this method.
Because doctors sometimes drew significant amounts of blood, it was deemed problematic. This was the case with George Washington, the country's first president. He felt unwell and developed a fever in 1799 after being outside in the snow. His physicians had to extract around 40% of his blood to treat him. The next night, he died.
Bloodletting has been shown to be an inefficient and, in some circumstances, hazardous treatment over time. It wasn't as common as it previously was towards the end of the nineteenth century.
Phlebotomy is now exclusively used for medical testing and treating a few particular blood illnesses in Western culture.
Here are five things you should know about ambulatory phlebectomy treatment before you get it done. This will help you comprehend what happens throughout treatment.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the best option for bulging veins
Bulging veins that are close to the skin's surface are a good candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy. Because the vein can be totally removed from the body during therapy, this is possible. All of the symptoms linked with the bulging veins disappear as soon as this happens.
Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a less invasive technique. A minor incision and the administration of a local anesthetic are all that is required for the surgical operation. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it can be performed in our office rather than a surgical facility. There will be no need for general anesthesia. There is also no need to stay in the hospital overnight. Patients can go home the same day they get their treatment.
Recovery time is typically quick
An ambulatory phlebectomy usually has a relatively short recovery time. Patients can return home the same day they receive therapy. Following the operation, it is usual to have some minor discomfort. Patients may also have minor swelling or bruising around the incision site. After ambulatory phlebectomy, patients are instructed to wear compression socks or stockings at home. The majority of patients are able to resume their normal activities within 24 hours of the operation.
Complications are rare
Ambulatory phlebectomy is still a surgical technique, despite the fact that it is non-invasive. And there are hazards associated with any surgical treatments. This treatment has a low risk of side effects and problems. Patients may experience an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used, bruising and infection at the treatment site, nerve injury, or inflammation as a result of the procedure.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is not the only option for varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy is one of the finest treatment options for varicose veins, however, it is not the only one. Laser treatment, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation therapy are some of the various therapeutic choices available to our patients. Non-invasive treatment alternatives and at-home maintenance may work effectively for mild cases of varicose veins. Diet and increased exercise, elevating the legs whenever feasible, and using compression socks or stockings are all self-care solutions for varicose veins. Make an appointment with one of our vein specialists to discuss the best treatment options for your varicose veins.