Information
Surgery for varicose veins is a very limited procedure which is only carried out in NHS Scotland in specific situations. Across all of NHS Scotland, GPs can only refer for varicose vein surgery if patients meet the following criteria:
- Patients with venous pigmentation, varicose eczema or ulceration (see right)
- Patients with an episode / episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis that either required treatment with low molecular weight heparin or were ultrasound scan proven
- Patients who have experienced haemorrhage from a varicose vein
Unfortunately, any referrals that don’t meet one of these criteria will be returned and will not receive a hospital appointment.
NHS Lothian has been receiving a high number of referrals that don’t meet these criteria and we appreciate your understanding as we manage access to this service. Patients should be given the following patient information leaflet which provides details on self-management Varicose-Veins-Information-for-Patients.pdf.
D.R.M & A.T 27-10-24
Who to refer for Varicose Veins:
- Those with venous pigmentation, varicose eczema or ulceration (see right)
- Those with an episode / episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis that either required treatment with low molecular weight heparin or were ultrasound scan proven
- Those who have experienced haemorrhage from a varicose vein
Who not to refer:
- Patients with asymptomatic varicose veins or thread veins whose concern is principally cosmetic
- Patients with undiagnosed bilateral limb swelling
- Patients with painful varicose veins in the absence of superficial thrombophlebitis.
How to refer:
Use SCI Gateway (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France >> Vascular Surgery >> LI Varicose Vein).
Varicose-Veins-Self Management Information-for-Patients.pdf
https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/cmo/DC20190522Varicose.pdf (CMO Letter May 2019 PROTOCOL FOR ACCESS TO VARICOSE VEIN SURGERY)
https://cks.nice.org.uk/venous-eczema-and-lipodermatosclerosis
