Post-operative duplex scans and surgical quality control after varicose veins surgery

A major theme in the media at the moment is the focus on surgeons’ results for various procedures. One of Mr Gaunt’s major research interests is the application of quality control techniques to provide independent evidence that the results of surgery have been as successful as the surgeon believes them to be. Sometimes the results can surprising, as dealing with the multiple variations of human anatomy and physiology present a constant challenge to all medical practitioners.

Mr Gaunt’s MD research thesis investigated the use of ultrasound techniques to assess the results of arterial surgery. For this work Mr Gaunt was awarded his MD with Distinction and also won many research prizes including the prestigious Moynihan Medal and the European Vascular Surgery Prize.

Mr Gaunt has used these principles of ultrasound quality control in all aspects of his work and particularly the assessment of venous surgery. A key investigation is the post-operative colour Duplex ultrasound scan which is performed as part of the follow-up consultation in all patients of Mr Gaunt who have undergone venous procedures. This enables the small minority of patients who have problems to be picked up early while they are easily correctable. Mr Gaunt says, “I am constantly surprised to hear of surgeons to believe they are infallible and don’t see the need to check the results of their work. I believe the post-operative Duplex scan is essential to achieve the best possible results after venous surgery”.

Mr Gaunt recently treated his 300th patient with the new Clarivein treatment for varicose veins

Clarivein is one of the new minimally invasive endovenous treatments for varicose veins. At Mr Gaunt’s practice this is performed as a local anaesthetic, walk-in, walk out, outpatient procedure combined with phlebectomies which means all the veins can be treated in one convenient visit. Clarivein is particularly cost-efficient for self-pay patients because although the procedure is performed at a private hospital – with all the back-up and reassurance that this provides- the outpatient setting means that hospital costs are kept to a minimum.

Mr Gaunt says, “So far the results of Clarivein have been very good producing excellent medical and cosmetic results. In my hands the safety profile appears really good with no major complications such as deep vein thrombosis, haematoma or infection”.

Mr Gaunt has been invited to present his results on the Clarivein technique at the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland meeting in November.

NICE guidelines confirm endothermal ablation techniques as the best treatment for varicose veins

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently published its recommendations for the modern treatment of varicose veins based on the best available clinical research. These guidelines confirm that endothermal techniques such as endovenous laser are now the recommended primary techniques for the treatment of varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy and traditional surgery are reserved for those veins which are not suitable for endothermal techniques – but this will be the minority of patients. The long term use of compression stockings to control the symptoms of varicose veins is no longer advised and this overturns previous advice.

Mr Gaunt says “the latest guidelines from NICE finally confirm what I and other surgeons who specialise in the treatment of varicose veins have been saying for many years that techniques such as the endovenous laser are far superior to other treatments”.

Mr Gaunt has performed over 4000 endovenous laser treatments with approximately 90% performed as local anaesthetic day case procedures with excellent medical and cosmetic results. Research on Mr Gaunt’s patients show that over 72% of patients require no analgsesia at all after leaving hospital after their day case procedure – not even a paracetamol!

The research from NICE did not consider the latest endoluminal technique, Clarivein as part of its assessment as there are not enough research papers published on this technique yet but based on Mr Gaunt’s experience of over 300 cases this is likely to receive a similar endorsement in due course.

Summer legs: no need to wait until new year. Make a resolution now that that next summer you won’t feel embarrassed to expose your legs to the sunshine because of unsightly varicose veins and threadveins

With the excellent weather this summer have you been one of those individuals who’ve longed to get those shorts or swimming costumes on but haven’t because you are embarrassed by unsightly varicose veins and threadveins? Sometimes it only takes one critical comment from a friend, family member or even a stranger to spoil your day and cause you to cover-up. This limits your choice of clothing, your leisure activities and your enjoyment of life and there is no need to put up with it any longer when modern treatments are so simple and effective. Why not book a free 15 minute consultation with Mr Gaunt to explore your options and this time next year you can enjoy the summer sunshine to the full.