The purpose of varicose vein surgery is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if varicose vein surgery is indicated, you should not hesitate to perform it, because the earlier it is performed, the faster it will normalize blood flow, improve or cure other disorders andcomplications of varicose veins.
Indications for removal of varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- If there are signs of impaired blood flow to the face - a feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic skin disorders that do not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence or absence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- The removal of varicose veins is also performed in the clinic for acute thrombophlebitis of varicose veins.
Contraindications for phlebectomy
- In the late stage of varicose veins;
- With hypertension;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infectious processes;
- Elderly patient;
- Inflammatory processes of the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not perform operations on varicose veins in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for vein removal surgery is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Shave your legs to be operated on completely;
- Before the operation, the skin of the feet must be healthy and free of any purulent diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, obligatory cleansing enemas are prescribed on the eve of the operation;
- Come to the operation with wide shoes and clothes;
- If you are taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor;
- Various medications can be used during surgery, and if you have an intolerance or allergy to any medications, especially novocaine and iodine-containing substances, be sure to tell your surgeon.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, diseased veins are simply removed. This operation takes about 1-2 hours. Removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body, as no more than 10% of the blood normally flows through the saphenous veins (namely, they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is carried by the deep and so-called connecting veins of the legs. Therefore, when they remove the veins under the skin, these vessels easily take the burden of blood circulation on themselves. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If malfunctioning venous valves are found, extravasal correction of incompetent valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After vein surgery you should follow some recommendations, the main of which is elastic compression.
After surgery the patient is recommended to use an elastic bandage or elastic stockings around the clock for 1, 5-2 months. In addition, venotonic drugs are prescribed to restore the function of the operated legs.
However, such operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that allow for plastic surgery of the valves of the great saphenous vein without cutting the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but still very complex and mastered by a narrow circle of specialists.
Rehabilitation
After vein removal surgery, the recommendations will be different for each patient - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, general health, as well as the nature and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a vein intervention, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his recommendations.
From the first hours after the operation it is recommended to turn around, bend the legs, etc. And simply lifting the end of the bed by 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
On the day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage is performed using compression stockings or an elastic bandage on both legs from the fingertips to the knee joints. It is allowed to walk only after dressing. Also, after removal of the veins, physiotherapy exercises and light massage are recommended as a prevention of blood clots.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bikes, as well as visit the sauna and bath. On the 8-9th day, the sutures are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water procedures is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the release of the suture.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing of venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. Medicines to prevent blood clots may also be prescribed.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. So, in the early stages of varicose veins, the size and number of scars can be minimized. If varicose veins are neglected and accompanied by trophic ulcers, dermatitis and extensive pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain even after surgery, along with small scars at the incision site.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy seriously depends on the individual's predisposition to scarring. In some, even with severe skin damage, thin scars form. Others, even with very minor damage, are prone to the formation of a rough keloid scar protruding above the surface of the skin.
Miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy) has become increasingly common.
Miniphlebectomy is the removal of veins by small skin punctures. This procedure does not require large incisions such as varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose veins, microphlebectomy may require neither hospital nor general anesthesia. The miniphlebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal local anesthesia. The cost of a miniphlebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing the varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises disappear on their own after 2-3 weeks, and after 1-2 months there are practically no traces of varicose veins and the operation remains.
If you need a consultation with a specialist, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call the phone and specify the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs in our clinic.