Patient Information (NHS England) - Varicose vein surgery patient leaflet and Varicose vein surgery video

Threshold

Norfolk and Waveney CCGs will fund Surgery for varicose veins in the legs if the following criteria are met:

• Venous ulceration or;
• Recurrent thrombophlebitis or;
• Bleeding or;
• Large varicose veins causing significant symptoms

Note: only those patients with symptoms and demonstrable long or short saphenous incompetence, as assessed by venous ultrasound will be considered for surgery.

Severe varicose veins associated with one of the following should be referred as a matter of urgency:

• Bleeding from a varicosity that has eroded the skin.
• Past bleeding and risk of re-bleeding.

Policy Exceptions: 

• Do not carry out interventional treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy other than in exceptional circumstances.

Cases for Individual Consideration

On a case to case basis, patients might be eligible for surgical intervention, in consideration of their exceptionality. The requesting clinician must provide information to support the case for being considered an exception, by submitting an individual funding request.