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Treatment of varicose veins of the legs with drugs is not always effective.It is especially difficult to treat varicose veins if they are in an advanced stage.In this case, surgical intervention is the only option to eliminate the disease. Classic phlebectomy, miniphlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser vein removal are effective methods for solving the problem of varicose veins.However, not all women suffering from varicose veins immediately choose one of them.The fear of the surgeon and the operating room, the fear of general anesthesia and complications stop patients, so they are afraid to go to the doctor for a long time, relying on some home forms of treatment.Meanwhile, varicose veins progress and the condition worsens.
Will varicose veins "pop" again?Will I have to hide the unsightly stitches after surgery?Are you really going to have to wear a special leotard for a year after surgery?These and other questions torment women and remain unanswered, and such an operation, necessary for the health of the feet, is postponed for months, and often for years.But today, not only classical phlebectomy is performed, which is a full-fledged surgical intervention (with general anesthesia, a long period of recovery and return to normal life), but also mini-operations on the veins, which are performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia, and after which a long sick leave is not even required.
Choosing a method for treating varicose veins
Each of the listed operations, be it classic phlebectomy, miniphlebectomy, laser or sclerotherapy, is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities and the patient's condition.You cannot choose the method of removing varicose veins yourself;determined by the doctor after an examination:
- Duplex scanning of vessels (veins) of the lower extremities is universal and informative,
- X-ray contrast venography and computed tomography methods are rarely used in complex diagnostic cases.
Features of surgical methods for the treatment of varicose veins
Various types of surgery are widely practiced in hospital and outpatient settings.Each method has its indications and contraindications, pros and cons.
Classic operation to remove veins
Quite often the attending physician chooses classic phlebectomy.
The operation is performed under anesthesia (general or spinal).During the operation, the great saphenous vein is removed along with the dilated ducts.After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days, then at home for a few weeks.Sutures are removed on the 7-10th day after the operation;healing time varies from person to person.
An advantage classic phlebectomy is highly effective in the treatment of moderate and severe varicose veins.The technique has been used for many decades, has proven successful and has allowed millions of patients to maintain healthy feet.
Disadvantages include a long recovery period, deterioration of general well-being after the operation and the inability to immediately return to your usual daily routine (work, driving, long distances), as well as an insufficient cosmetic effect that lasts for several months.
Mini-phlebectomy
Unlike classic surgery, miniphlebectomy involves removalindividual superficial affected veins through multiple small incisions or punctures.The surgeon uses small special tools (hooks, mini-scalpels).The intervention is performed at different stages of the disease and can be combined with other methods (laser removal, sclerotherapy).
Advantages of the method:
- outpatient surgery, being under the supervision of doctors for several hours after the procedure,
- local anesthesia,
- quick healing of punctures and microincisions, without stitches,
- an opportunity to immediately return to your usual daily life, as well as an excellent cosmetic effect.
After the operation, some complications are possible - hematomas in the area of incisions and punctures, discoloration of the skin in the area of the operated veins, but in general these risks are minimal.
Laser removal
Laser removal of varicose veins (endovasal laser coagulation of veins) is an innovative method that is widely used and highly effective.
During intravascular (endovasal) surgery, a small incision or puncture is made in the skin: under ultrasound guidance, a long light wire is inserted through a catheter into the vein.Through it, a laser beam acts on the walls of the vein, "gluing" them together.
The advantage of this method is to perform the operation on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Laser removal of varicose veins it can be combined with mini-phlebectomy, sclerotherapy and provides an excellent cosmetic effect, which is very important for women of any age.The catheter insertion site is sealed with a special patch, which is removed after 8-10 days;no stitches needed.After the operation, you can live with your usual rhythm, practically without restrictions.
Compared to classic phlebectomy laser removal of varicose veins considered less traumatic and safe.
But it is worth noting that the method is not considered universal for the treatment of patients with varicose veins (like any other).Carrying out such an operation, such as the classical removal of a vein, is possible only after a complete examination of the patient, taking into account all the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Choosing a clinic for the treatment of varicose veins and surgery
Conservative and surgical treatment of varicose veins today is carried out in many public and private medical centers.The clinic to which you entrust your health must have a solid reputation and experienced doctors who are proficient in various methods of venous surgery.
Classic phlebectomy, miniphlebectomy, sclerotherapy (in various variants), etc. are performed in high-tech operating rooms.It is important that the doctor's choice of method is always strictly justified by the clinical picture and discussed with the patient, explaining the pros and cons of the methods, the risks of consequences and possible complications.For example in clinic for the treatment of varicose veins It is not always advisable to use minimally invasive ("easy") techniques.Contraindications for this: severe varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, blood clotting disorders, etc.In this case, a combined operation is done to achieve a good result.
For the doctors clinics for the treatment of varicose veins, the results of therapy and the condition of patients are very important - both in the early and in the late postoperative period.That is why the surgeons are always in touch and ready to answer all the questions that interest the operated patients.
Advice from a phlebologist
Despite the choice of surgical techniques for the removal of varicose veins and the possibility of light outpatient interventions, each operation requires a rehabilitation period and a careful attitude to health.Therefore, from the first meeting to the end of the medical observation after the operation, you must do everything recommendations from a phlebologist:
- first of all, wearing a medical gown;special underwear is worn immediately after surgery, after phlebectomy.The first two days, as a rule, it is recommended to wear hosiery around the clock.Then daily wear for 3-6 weeks (according to doctor's indications);
- after endovasal interventions (laser therapy), which are not combined with other methods, compression therapy is not necessary;with a combined operation, it is necessary to wear it for a month or two.The first two days, the knitting is left overnight.
- others recommendations from a phlebologist related to physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, control of excess weight and changes in working conditions if it is associated with prolonged static load on the legs.You should walk every day for 40-60 minutes.To your daily walks, you can add special exercises to strengthen the veins and blood vessels.During the first two months after surgery, perform all physical exercises with compression stockings.Remove squats and lifting weights (dumbbells, barbells) from the complex.Also, don't put too much strain on the lower abdomen.
In general, the most important condition for the successful correction of varicose veins is the cooperation of the doctor and the patient.Trusting your doctor, following all his recommendations and subsequently following the rules of prevention helps to maintain the health and beauty of your feet.