Conservative treatment methods are effective only in the initial stages of varicose veins.Since the first signs are usually neglected, the pathology continues to develop, reducing the effectiveness of the drugs used.If symptoms worsen significantly, surgery is the only option to remove varicose veins.A special place is occupied by rehabilitation, which requires patients to comply with medical recommendations.
Instructions for operation
If varicose veins are present, surgical treatment is determined in certain cases.
In particular, surgical intervention is indicated for patients:
- extensive vascular damage that can be determined by visual examination;
- Symptoms in the form of swelling, constant aching pain and a feeling of heaviness;
- Significant risk of thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers.
Varicose vein surgery is suitable when the use of drugs does not bring the desired result.It is important to prevent the disease from progressing to the point where surgical treatment is useless.
For some patients, surgery for varicose veins in the legs is contraindicated.
Contraindications
Late-stage surgery is often inappropriate;Therefore, varicose veins are treated with various drugs.They help to slightly reduce the severity of the disease, but cannot completely eliminate it.
Patients suffering from:
- inflammatory skin diseases at the site of development of venous pathology (for example, Erysipelas or Eczema);
- cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure);
- acute form of phlebitis;
- Infectious diseases (operation is possible after recovery);
- venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (history);
- atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities is disturbed.
Surgical treatment to eliminate varicose veins is contraindicated in patients over 70 years of age, as well as in pregnant women.
Prepared for surgery
A consultation with a phlebologist will help to properly prepare for the upcoming surgical treatment.The patient has the right to ask any question about the operation.
You should also accurately describe the existing symptoms as accurately as possible, talk about intolerance to certain drugs and be sure to inform about the drugs you are currently taking.
The attending physician subjects the patient to a number of diagnostic procedures:
- blood and urine tests;
- fluorography;
- Electrocardiography;
- Duplex Sonography.
The preparatory stage requires compliance with certain conditions:
- 3 days before the operation, the patient is on a slag-free diet, that is, fried, salty, spicy, as well as meat and flour products are prohibited.
- The last food and liquid intake is 8 hours before surgery.
- You should forget about alcohol and smoking for at least 3 days.
- You will need to remove the hair from the leg where the operation will be performed and use a razor.
- If you have ulcers, hematomas or any skin damage, you should inform your doctor.
If the patient drives a car, he should arrange for someone close or familiar to pick him up after unloading.Driving is currently prohibited.
When preparing for the operation, the patient is interested in what type of surgical intervention and how much such treatment will cost.If a patient is scheduled for vascular surgery, the price is affected by many factors: the stage of the disease, varicose veins, anesthesia, etc.
Ways to remove varicose veins
Since there are many types of surgical treatment for varicose veins, the choice of a certain technique is based on diagnostic data.In some cases, the venous vessel is partially or completely removed, in others, the veins deformed due to varicose veins are sealed or narrowed using a special substance.
Phlebectomy
The type of surgical treatment during which areas of the blood vessels where varicose veins are present.After removal, blood circulation will be carried out through deep veins.
The operation is carried out as follows:
- After anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes small incisions (up to 5 mm).
- The vein is removed using a special probe, after which the affected area is resected.
The duration of phlebectomy is 1-2 hours.Afterwards, a small scar remains at the operated site.
Microphlebectomy
An excellent alternative to the previous method.The essence of the technique is that there is no need to make a 5 mm incision.A small puncture is enough to perform all the necessary manipulations with the vein.Moreover, in this case, the recovery is faster and there is no scar left.
All types of operations performed to eliminate varicose veins of the legs go well and very rarely cause any complications.
Thanks to this puncture technique, it is possible to get rid of even large varicose veins.
Undress
This is a type of phlebectomy.With its help, the trunk of the great saphenous vein is removed.Using a special probe, the surgeon removes the vessel affected by the varicose veins.Incisions are made in the inguinal fold and in the area of the ankle.
Peeling occurs:
- partially- Only part of the venous vessel is facilitated;
- total- The diseased vessel stretches along with its small branches.
Performing such manipulations requires maximum care from the doctor.If at least one prescription arm remains, the risk of relapse increases significantly.
Sclerotherapy
This is a minimally invasive surgery to remove advanced varicose veins that does not require any incisions.The actions of the surgeon are aimed at disrupting the lumen of the patient's vessel until it completely disappears.
To do this, a sclerosant is injected into a vein.The drug causes irreversible damage to the walls of the vessel with subsequent enlargement of the lumen.
Medicines specially prepared for this purpose are usually used.
Sclerotherapy has several advantages:
- The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis;
- The patient is allowed to return to daily activities the next day;
- no need for general anesthesia;
- There are no scars after the operation.
A negative point is the possibility of re-formation of varicose veins.The disease can affect the veins located near the places where the sclerosant is injected.Up to 10 injections are performed in one procedure, and the treatment time is about an hour.
It should be said about the types of sclerotherapy:
- Foam.The drug, in contact with air, forms a foam that fills the cavity of the vessel.Closure of the lumen occurs in a short time, and even a small amount of sclerosant is sufficient.In addition, to obtain satisfactory results, 1-2 procedures are carried out while the foam is injected a maximum of 3 times.
- Microsclerotherapy.The technique is suitable in the early stages of the disease.
- Echosclerosis.It is prescribed for lesions of deep veins.The injection is performed using an ultrasound scanner, which allows you to accurately determine the injection site of the sclerosant, determine the exact amount of the drug and prevent unwanted results.
The performed manipulations are practically painless, and patients recover quickly afterwards.
Laser coagulation
The method of treatment of varicose veins, called oral (ENDovasal) laser coagulation (endovasal), involves the use of a special device - the use of a laser LED.
It is injected into the affected vein and, thanks to the radiation, the inner surfaces of the vessel are welded together.Blood continues to circulate through healthy vessels and the patient's well-being improves.
Advantages of laser coagulation:
- lack of wounds and age spots on the skin;
- It was carried out on an outpatient basis for 1-2 hours;
- local anesthesia is used;
- Manipulations are carried out under the control of an ultrasound machine;
- Short recovery period.
The success of the operation can finally be judged after 3 months.The use of a laser guarantees complete relief from the disease without the risk of relapse.
Rehabilitation period after vein removal
After the operation, the patient should follow certain rules that will minimize the risk of complications and speed:
- Compression socks are recommended.The attending physician will help with his choice.At first (about 5 days), underwear is not removed before bed, and later use is allowed only for daytime use.
- To support blood vessels, alcohol and smoking should be prohibited, because nicotine and alcohol are one of the most common causes of varicose veins.
- You should avoid excessive physical activity.Even minor injuries to the lower extremities pose a threat.If the patient used to like sports, he can return to training after 1.5-2 months.
- To prevent relapses, water procedures should not be hot.Sauna, steam bath and solarium are contraindicated.
- Cosmetic procedures cannot be performed in the operated areas.
- Doing therapeutic exercises will be helpful.
To prevent varicose veins from returning after surgery, during the rehabilitation period, you should take medications prescribed by the doctor to help the vessels heal.It is undesirable to change the dosage of drugs on your own, which leads to undesirable consequences.If any signs of deterioration appear, it is important to see a phlebologist immediately.
The type of surgical intervention is determined depending on the individual characteristics of the disease.
Possible complications after surgery
No specialist can guarantee the complete absence of side effects after surgery.Complications can occur depending on which surgical treatment is used.
Phlebectomy and peeling can result in:
- numbness in lower legs;
- decreased sensitivity of the skin;
- pain syndrome;
- bleeding;
- Hematomas;
- destruction of the operated area.
The following may appear after sclerotherapy:
- ankle and foot swelling;
- pigmentation;
- peeling and itching;
- painful sensations;
- skin burns.
If a laser guidance is used, the formation of:
- inflammation;
- darkening of skin areas;
- small bruise;
- fairy tale pain.
The most dangerous complication of any surgical operation is thrombosis.However, its occurrence is rarely observed.With minimally invasive surgery, the risk of blood clots is extremely low.
Due to surgical treatment, it is possible to successfully recover from a serious disease.The main thing is to find a qualified specialist and not to ignore medical recommendations regarding the recovery period.