Varicose veins of the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of the country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of varicose veins in the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure comes down to the introduction of a special light guide in the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will become blind and the blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classical removal of veins (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removal of only part of the diseased vein (microphlebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Given the disadvantages listed, which the laser lacks, laser treatment of varicose veins is rightly called the best option available. Doctors have been practicing this method for more than 10 years and during this time laser coagulation does not cause any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the necessary amount or take out a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and small subcutaneous veins. In addition, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly even, without sharp bends. The branches of the veins should be strong or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial stage of varicose veins when the severity is low and this only applies to superficial veins. As for veins dilated by more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will peel off again and the whole treatment will go to waste.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative impact on neighboring tissues. For this reason, the laser is not effective for significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the above cases, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it may harm the patient. There are enough contraindications and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relative includes those contraindications that only at this time do not allow the operation. These may be burns and inflammation of the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem and then proceed to remove the veins with a laser. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered relative contraindications, as during this period the body is weakened and the load on the legs is high. Due to the congestion of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed in obese people - complications are possible.
The absolute ones include those contraindications due to which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following conditions:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- impaired lymph and blood flow in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and propensity to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle - if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), then the vessel may become inflamed and treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Laser treatment of varicose veins of the legs is performed on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not required, as the area of impact is very small and the process takes place inside the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on the advice of a doctor if you are afraid of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- a small incision is made in the skin of the foot, through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device will emit laser light with controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation the blood is pushed out of the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser the walls of the vessel stick together, the blood no longer circulates here.
Laser treatment usually takes up to 90 minutes. Once the damaged veins are sealed, the blood is directed through deep veins that are located inside the muscles. After such a procedure there are no scars and hematomas.
Advantages of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser removal of varicose veins has many advantages. Everyone should know about the main advantages:
- it is not necessary to go to the hospital, as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture on the skin, which will subsequently heal without scarring and scarring;
- modern laser equipment dissipates radiation well, which allows high-quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- immediate removal of the veins in both legs is possible;
- the rehabilitation period is very quick and painless. One hour after the procedure you can go home and in a few days - live the same life.
Given the listed advantages of the procedure, it is clear why the treatment of varicose veins with laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. After that there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scars and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser treatment of veins
Each medical procedure has advantages and disadvantages. When removing leg veins, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. Specifically, before the procedure, you should be aware of the possible difficulties and shortcomings of the technique:
- severe varicose veins are not treated with laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with surgery and can not be done without incisions and scars on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after surgery, which not everyone likes;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high cost of laser procedures.
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how best to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser coagulation of veins. The patient quickly returns to normal life. No hospitalization or bed rest is required. The same can be said about taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and legs that are tightly bandaged, like a mummy - the modern procedure is completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to rise gradually. First you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, then you can get to your feet. A sharp rise after an hour of lying on the couch is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness and more.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when he transfers his weight to them. The only thing that may bother you is a slight tingling in the area of the leg through which the light guide is inserted. As there is no pain syndrome, it is not necessary to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the wearing of compression stockings. The duration of wearing such underwear and the degree of its compression should be discussed individually with the doctor. Thanks to the compression jersey, puffiness is eliminated and the flow of blood through the superficial veins is stopped, their role is taken over by the deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression garments are placed on the patient's legs directly in the operating room after the end of laser coagulation.
For the first 2 days after the procedure, the compression stockings are left on the feet even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and removed at night. Given that compression tights will warm the body, it is recommended to do the procedure in the cold season. This way you can avoid the discomfort and need to wear tights on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that should not be done with varicose veins and after surgery is lifting weights. During the first week it is not advisable to visit the sauna and steam bath in the bath. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive a car and perform your usual activities.
The general recommendations for anyone who has experienced varicose veins in the legs are the following:
- control body weight, as excess weight is a burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If your professional activity involves prolonged sitting or standing, you should take breaks and warm up from time to time;
- you can not sit cross-legged - it constricts blood vessels;
- smoking must be given up forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize everyday life, supplementing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
By following these recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a long time.