High Ligation and Stripping
The traditional surgical removal of the saphenous vein for very large or complex varicose disease — definitive treatment when modern endovenous techniques are unsuitable.
What is High Ligation and Stripping?
High ligation and stripping is the traditional surgical treatment for varicose veins, in which the great or small saphenous vein is tied off at its junction with the deep vein and physically removed (stripped) using an internal device. Although largely replaced by EVLA, RFA, and UGFS, stripping remains the right choice in selected cases — very large veins beyond endovenous range, complex anatomy, or recurrent disease after thermal ablation. Dr. Abhishek performs vein stripping at Lux Hospitals when traditional surgery offers the most durable result.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Marking
General or spinal anaesthesia is given; varicose veins are marked with the patient standing pre-op.
High Ligation
A small groin incision exposes the sapheno-femoral junction; tributaries are ligated and the saphenous vein is divided.
Stripper Insertion
A flexible vein stripper is passed through the saphenous vein from the groin to the upper calf.
Vein Removal
The vein is inverted and pulled out (invagination stripping), minimising trauma to surrounding nerves.
Phlebectomy & Closure
Tributary varicosities are removed through stab incisions; wounds are closed with absorbable sutures.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Definitive treatment for very large saphenous veins
- →Reliable in complex anatomy or recurrent disease
- →Time-tested technique with predictable long-term results
- →Effective when endovenous techniques are not suitable
- →Removes the entire diseased vein, eliminating any chance of recanalisation
- →Can be combined with multiple stab phlebectomies in one operation
Stripping has its place — for very large saphenous veins and complex recurrent disease, it remains the most reliable definitive option. Modern technique with invagination stripping makes it gentler than its old reputation suggests.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.