Anesthesiologist Questions Anesthesiologist

Is general anesthesia used for vein ablation?

I have varicose veins and want to treat them. Is general anesthesia used for vein ablation?

4 Answers

Rarely
No. Some patients choose to only have local anesthesia. Depending on the facility, often they offer Valium and you need to have a driver.
Yes, general anesthesia could be used depending on the practice setup. Most vein procedures are performed under monitored sedation but in certain instances and in hospital-based practice or ambulatory surgery centers general anesthesia is fairly commonly used.

No, I use local anesthesia-lidocaine. General anesthesia is not necessary.