Z746 – Femoral ligation

Surgical services (ligation/stripping) for the treatment of varicose veins involving the long and/or short saphenous vein(s) are only insured when all of the following conditions are met: 1. There is incompetence (i.e. reflux) at the saphenofemoral junction or saphenopopliteal junction that is documented by Doppler or duplex ultrasound scanning; 2. The patient has failed a trial of conservative management of at least three months duration; and 3. The patient has at least one of the conditions described in either a. or b. below: a. One or more of the following signs of chronic venous insufficiency: i. Eczema; ii. Pigmentation; iii. Lipodermatosclerosis; iv. Ulceration b. Varicosities that result in one or more of the following: i. Ulceration secondary to venous stasis; ii. One or more significant hemorrhages from a ruptured superficial varicosity; iii. Two or more episodes of minor hemorrhage from a ruptured superficial varicosity; iv. Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis; v. Stasis dermatitis; vi. Varicose eczema; vii. Lipodermosclerosis; viii. Unremitting edema or intractable pain interfering with activities of daily living and requiring chronic analgesic medication.

1. Conservative management includes analgesics and prescription gradient support compression stockings.

2. Significant hemorrhage refers to a hemorrhage related to varicose veins that requires iron therapy or transfusion.