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