Surgery to remove deformed veins of the lower extremities is called phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicative, which, among other things, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of total blood flow is carried out through deep veins, subcutaneous conduction only 10%.
However, they are the ones that are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is to remove the affected veins. It was first held in the early 20th century.
Today, various techniques allow to remove all the main vessels or only small subcutaneous veins with nodules formed on them equally effectively.
Let's look at the cases in which surgery is prescribed for varicose veins of the legs, what are the types, as well as the consequences and contraindications for its use.
Indications for foot surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any results in the fight against varicose veins, in which case surgery is the only way out of this situation. The fear of surgery leads to the fact that patients try to delay the trip to the doctor as much as possible and thus only worsen the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following points:
- severely neglected condition of varicose veins;
- significant enlargement of the subcutaneous vessels;
- disturbance of blood flow through the vessels, leading to systemic fatigue and pain in the extremities;
- trophic skin lesions with difficult to heal wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgery, as each is suitable for each case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient and the presence of complications. Good performance requires some preparation. It is important to pass all the necessary tests.
It is important to perform the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- if necessary, shave the leg on which the operation will be;
- came to the hospital before the agreed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its pros and cons.
Consider how to operate on varicose veins:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has special characteristics. The vessels are removed by puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is like a simple operation.
- Vein removal. A type of surgery in which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the total allows you to stretch the entire vessel by freezing it next to the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed are bandaged. The lower limb is pulled together with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive method of treatment. Sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to glue the lumen. Later, a scar appears at this site and the vein disappears completely. The following types of this operation are known today:
- echosclerotherapy. Deep vessels with a diameter of 1 cm are treated. The drug is administered under the control of a scanner. Sclerosant is injected with a needle;
- foam-shape method. The drug substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of veins. The new technology makes it possible to remove the disease without incisions and remove blood vessels. The surgery is performed with the help of light, which passes into the vein through a puncture and seals the affected areas by heating the tissues. In most cases, no recurrences occur.
- Endoscopic dissection of the veins. The operation is performed using an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied. Complications do not occur, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon who performs this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today this is a very popular type of surgery.
- radiofrequency ablation. A less traumatic way to remove varicose veins that came from cardiac surgery. Used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the vessel cavity, which moves up the length of the vein to be removed. The appliance is then switched on and the container is sealed with electricity. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it does not require the introduction of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, the removal of varicose veins with the help of surgery can not be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes that occur in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgery, foot surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after some time.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of the cutaneous nerves;
- tingling in the ankle or inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and discoloration of the skin;
- mild soreness of the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to follow the postoperative regimen.
Characteristics of care after surgery
To maintain the results, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and undergo a special course of treatment, which is chosen taking into account the condition of the body, the spread of varicose veins and the type of surgery.
Care includes the following:
- On the first day it is important to follow a bed rest. You still have to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and unfold the legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is advisable to put an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, lift your legs up and hold for some time in this position;
- Cleaning the seams for the first time in 6 months. performed only with warm water. Foam the places by hand without using hard towels. It is important to remember that scars take a long time to form and cannot be loaded;
- At home it is recommended to wear compression underwear around the clock for 1 month. Then they take it off at night and do it for another 2 months;
- It is important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help dilute the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, surgical treatment of varicose veins is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and try to see a doctor after the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins in the legs, as well as other problems with the body, are better prevented than treated.