Do I need to be admitted to the hospital for varicose vein treatment?

Most cases of varicose veins can be treated on an outpatient basis, but there are exceptions. — dpa

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic issue, but can also cause thromboses, pulmonary embolisms and ulcers.

For those impacted, there are generally two options: Open surgery or minimally-invasive sclerotherapy.

Mostly, both are possible on an outpatient basis, says the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG).

Vascular specialists will usually decide whether to recommend the removal of varicose veins and what way to proceed.

If at least one of the following points applies, then you might be better off having inpatient treatment, say the DGG:

• You have particularly extensive varicose veins.
• You have an ulcer on your leg.
• You are very overweight.
• Both your legs need to be operated on at the same time.
• You have previously undergone a varicose vein operation.
• You have scarring on your legs.
• You have already suffered thromboses.
• You have limited mobility and cannot be cared for at home.
• You are over 75 years of age.

Usually, an inpatient stay for this kind of treatment only lasts one night.

In terms of cost, it depends on your country’s healthcare system, and potentially, whether any of the above points apply.

Hospitalisation for sclerotherapy is generally only covered in exceptional cases, e.g. if there is an increased risk of post-operative bleeding.

Again though, this may vary by country and individual case. – dpa