The Stab Avulsion Technique for the Surgical Removal of Varicose Veins with Varady Hook

Abstract

The stab avulsion technique is one of the most common maneuvers for the surgical removal of varicose veins. A 2–3 mm stab wound is made with a number 11 scalpel blade. The varicosities are picked up subdermally with various hooks, such as Varady or Mueller types, and pulled through the stab wound. This operation can be performed under general anesthesia with Propofol and local infiltration anesthesia with 0.5 1% Lidocaine. Tumescent local anesthesia with 0.1% Lidocaine is effective for decrease in vein diameter, dissection of varicosities, low post-operative pain, and minimal hematoma.

Stab avulsion is a highly useful technique combined with conventional selective stripping, laser, radiofrequency, or sclerotherapy.