Final answer:
During ligation and stripping surgery for varicose veins, dilated saphenous veins are removed from the leg under general anesthesia. This procedure helps to alleviate symptoms but is typically recommended after more conservative treatments. The deeper venous systems in the leg maintain circulatory function after the surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse teaching a client about ligation and stripping surgery for varicose veins would include that the surgery involves the removal of dilated saphenous veins. During this procedure, all or part of the main trunk of a vein is tied off (ligated) and then removed (stripped) from the leg while the patient is under general anesthesia. This is distinct from other methods such as scraping plaque within the veins, suturing superficial veins into deep veins, or placing an umbrella filter within the veins. It's important to note that with varicose veins, there are typically redundant circulation patterns, meaning that after the removal of the superficial veins, overall circulation isn't typically impaired, as the deeper venous systems are still intact to handle circulatory load. However, more conservative non-surgical options may be advised before opting for ligation and stripping, including wearing compression stockings, leg elevation, and potentially nonsurgical treatments like sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation.