A Typical Varicose Vein Consultation (please note that we no longer practise in Norwich and MINI CONSULTATIONS are no longer available, but the format of an initial consultation with Mr Gaunt remains as described in the video)
with Mr Michael Gaunt MD (Dist), MA Cantab, FRCS
Assessment of Varicose Veins
Successful treatment depends on a careful pre-operative assessment. No two people’s varicose veins are the same and the right procedure for one person may not be successful for someone else.
Full Medical History
Assessment begins in the outpatient clinic. Mr Gaunt will ask you to describe your condition and how it affects your life – work, social life, sport, well-being and self-image.
Previous trauma to the legs – such as fractures or ligament damage – and any previous history of varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) could all be relevant.
You will be asked about other medical conditions and any medications you take on a regular basis and if there are any medications you are allergic to. Finally, you will be asked about any conditions that run in the family, such as varicose veins or blood disorders.
Examination
Mr Michael Gaunt will examine your legs to determine the extent, pattern and distribution of abnormal veins. He will also look for tell-tale signs that the veins are having a deleterious effect on the skin of your lower leg. This will help determine your future risk of developing venous eczema and venous ulceration.
Ultrasound Examination
Your veins will be examined during the clinic using ultrasound. Colour Duplex ultrasound is the mainstay of modern varicose vein assessment and many specialists consider this essential. Duplex ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive investigation which is vital to the correct assessment of all the veins in your leg and will determine which treatment is best for you.
The ultrasound scan often finds abnormalities which cannot be detected on clinical examination alone. In particular, the main veins of the leg – the deep veins – can be examined to ensure they are working normally before any treatment of varicose veins is contemplated.
Your Treatment Plan
Based on all this information from your medical history, physical examination and Duplex ultrasound scan, Mr Gaunt will discuss the findings and the various treatment options which are appropriate to your specific needs.
The consultation from start to finish usually takes about 20-30 minutes inclusive of the ultrasound scan and at the end of this process you will normally have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Occasionally, more complex venous problems require more specialised investigations and Mr Gaunt will arrange for these to be performed if necessary.
Mr Gaunt will write you a letter summarising the consultation with a full breakdown of the fees involved and appropriate information leaflets.
Mr Gaunt’s office will be able to arrange a mutually convenient date for any treatment required.
How much will it cost?
An initial consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt starts at £250 to include an individual treatment plan. Please call Mr Gaunt’s team on 01223 305858 for further details, including the cost of diagnostic tests performed by Mr Gaunt during an Initial Consultation (if deemed necessary – most varicose vein and hernia patients will require Mr Gaunt to perform a Duplex ultrasound scan in order to determine the correct treatment plan).
Patients with private medical insurance information leaflet>
Patients without private medical insurance information leaflet>
Aftercare & Support
Post-operative care and support are key to MR Michael Gaunt’s renowned service.
