We report our experience in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs in the day surgery clinic of the 2nd Department of General Surgery of the University of Padova. From October 1990 to October 1996, 1522 cases of lower limb varicose veins were treated in our day-surgery clinic. Super-selective subarachnoid anesthesia was used in 94% of the cases. In all cases in which the incompetence of the saphenous trunk was demonstrated, crossectomy was associated with long or short stripping. There were no intra- or post-operative deaths and only limited morbidity. Post-operative hospitalization was required in four patients (three for headache and one for precordial pain). In conclusion, the out-patient treatment of varicose veins involves the same techniques as in-patient treatment. Therefore, the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia are very limited in a specialized center.