Is varicose vein surgery available on the NHS ?
16 July 2007, 08:15 AM
#1
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Is varicose vein surgery available on the NHS ?
As title. One person I know says not, but I can't find a definitive answer. It used to be as I have a friend whom had hers done about 9 years ago. I'm told now you have to pay for it unless it is affecting your quality of life !
Anyone ?
Anyone ?
16 July 2007, 05:33 PM
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Done a lot less commonly than used to be, in many areas not available unless seriously impacting on quality of life.
Reasons for not doing them:
1. The NHS can do somethin else with the money
2. The same vein that is often removed for VV surgery (long-saphenous) often comes in handy later in life - especially if you need a heart bypass, therefore surgeons less keen to rip out and throw in bin than they used to be.
As already suggested - speak to you rGP, who will know the local policy
Reasons for not doing them:
1. The NHS can do somethin else with the money
2. The same vein that is often removed for VV surgery (long-saphenous) often comes in handy later in life - especially if you need a heart bypass, therefore surgeons less keen to rip out and throw in bin than they used to be.
As already suggested - speak to you rGP, who will know the local policy
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16 July 2007, 08:50 PM
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16 July 2007, 09:27 PM
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From :- referral criteria from primary care - varicose veins - General Practice Notebook
Most patients with varicose veins can be managed in primary care. Patients in whom varicosities are present or suspected should be referred to a specialist service if:
**** they are bleeding from a varicosity that has eroded the skin
** they have bled from a varicosity and are at risk of bleeding again
** they have an ulcer which is progressive and/or painful
* they have a stable, pain-free, ulcer and/or progressive skin changes that may benefit from surgery
* they have recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis
* they have troublesome symptoms attributable to their varicose veins, and/or they and their GP feel that the extent, site and size of the varicosities is having a severe impact on quality of life
+ the diagnosis is, or has become, uncertain
Key to referral times:
**** immediate referral (a)
*** urgent referral (b)
** soon (b)
* routine (b)
+ times will be discretionary and depend on clinical circumstances
(a) within a day
(b) Health authorities, trusts and primary care groups should work to local definitions of maximum waiting times in each of these categories. The multidisciplinary groups considered that a maximum waiting time of 2 weeks is appropriate for the urgent category
Reference:
NICE (May 2000). Referral Practice A guide to appropriate referral from general to specialist services.
Most patients with varicose veins can be managed in primary care. Patients in whom varicosities are present or suspected should be referred to a specialist service if:
**** they are bleeding from a varicosity that has eroded the skin
** they have bled from a varicosity and are at risk of bleeding again
** they have an ulcer which is progressive and/or painful
* they have a stable, pain-free, ulcer and/or progressive skin changes that may benefit from surgery
* they have recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis
* they have troublesome symptoms attributable to their varicose veins, and/or they and their GP feel that the extent, site and size of the varicosities is having a severe impact on quality of life
+ the diagnosis is, or has become, uncertain
Key to referral times:
**** immediate referral (a)
*** urgent referral (b)
** soon (b)
* routine (b)
+ times will be discretionary and depend on clinical circumstances
(a) within a day
(b) Health authorities, trusts and primary care groups should work to local definitions of maximum waiting times in each of these categories. The multidisciplinary groups considered that a maximum waiting time of 2 weeks is appropriate for the urgent category
Reference:
NICE (May 2000). Referral Practice A guide to appropriate referral from general to specialist services.
16 July 2007, 09:31 PM
#10
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My dad has his done on the NHS, in and out the same day.
Back in again later that night as his leg is pissing blood everywhere and ends up admitted to a different hospital in the region for 5 days to sort out the butcher job
Back in again later that night as his leg is pissing blood everywhere and ends up admitted to a different hospital in the region for 5 days to sort out the butcher job
17 July 2007, 11:22 AM
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