Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery is needed when a patient has vascular disease that can be treated by nonsurgical treatments, minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques, or open surgical procedures. Vascular diseases are diseases of the arteries and veins. Arterial disease is a condition in which blood clots, arteriosclerosis, aneurysms and other vascular conditions cause symptoms or complications (or are at risk of doing so).

Venous diseases affect the veins, and can also cause symptoms or complications. The treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis without complications is not undertaken by vascular surgeons, but is managed by other specialists.

Outpatient services

Vascular outpatient clinics and day case varicose veins treatment is undertaken locally at Barnsley Hospital. Staff from the Sheffield Vascular Institute, based at the Northern General Hospital, carry out these procedures. Most specialised investigations, and all in-patient vascular procedures, are undertaken in Sheffield.

Patients with varicose veins will usually have their clinical assessment and a venous duplex scan done at a one-stop clinic appointment in Barnsley. They will be offered treatment, if appropriate. A small proportion of patients would need specialised tests and treatment, in Sheffield.

Varicose veins are treated by conventional open surgery or minimally invasive endovenous (laser) surgery in Barnsley. Patients no longer have to travel to Sheffield for laser treatment.

Inpatient services

Inpatients under the care of other specialists in Barnsley are reviewed by the visiting vascular surgeons, or might be transferred to Sheffield as required.

Related links

• Encyclopedia of Surgery - Vascular Surgery
• Sheffield Vascular Institute