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Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with medications is not always effective.It is especially difficult to treat varicose veins if they are in an advanced stage.In this case, the only option to eliminate the disease is surgery. Classical phlebectomy, miniphlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser excision are effective methods to solve the problem of varicose veins.However, not all women suffering from varicose veins immediately decide to choose one.Fear of the surgeon and the operating room, fear of general anesthesia and complications stop patients, so they are afraid to go to the doctor for a long time, relying on some forms of home treatment.Meanwhile, varicose veins progress and the condition worsens.
Will varicose veins “disappear” again?Will I need to hide unsightly stitches after surgery?Will you really have to wear a special shirt for an entire year after surgery?These and other questions torment women and remain unanswered, and such an operation, necessary for the health of the legs, is postponed for months and often for years.But today not only classical phlebectomy is performed, which is a full-fledged surgical operation (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 long sick leave is not even required.
Choosing a treatment method for varicose veins
Any listed intervention, 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;is determined by the doctor after examination:
- Duplex scanning of the 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 operations are widely practiced in hospital and outpatient settings.Each method has its indications and contraindications, pros and cons.
Classic surgery for vein removal
Very often he chooses the attending physician classic phlebectomy.
The operation is performed under anesthesia (general or spinal).During the operation, the great saphenous vein is removed along with the varicose ducts.After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for several days, then at home for several weeks.The sutures are removed on the 7-10th day after surgery;Healing time varies individually.
Advantage classic phlebectomy It is highly effective in treating moderate and severe varicose veins.The technique has been used for many decades, has proven effective and has allowed millions of patients to maintain healthy legs.
The disadvantages include a long recovery period, deterioration of general well-being after surgery and the inability to immediately return to the usual routine (work, driving, long walks), as well as an insufficient cosmetic effect that persists for several months.
Miniphlebectomy
Unlike classic surgery, miniphlebectomy involves removalindividual superficial veins affected through multiple small incisions or punctures.The surgeon uses small special instruments (hooks, mini-scalpels).The operation is carried out at different stages of the disease and can be combined with other methods (laser removal, sclerotherapy).
Advantages of the method:
- outpatient surgery, under the supervision of doctors for several hours after the procedure,
- local anesthesia,
- rapid healing of punctures and microincisions, without stitches,
- the opportunity to immediately return to your usual routine, as well as an excellent cosmetic effect.
After the operation, some complications are possible: hematomas in the area of the 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 (endovascular laser coagulation of veins) is an innovative, widely used and very effective method.
During an intravascular (endovascular) operation, a small incision or puncture is made in the skin: under ultrasound guidance, a long light guide is inserted through a catheter into a vein.Through it, a laser beam acts on the walls of the vein, "gluing" them together.
The advantage of this method consists of performing the operation on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Laser removal of varicose veins it can be combined with miniphlebectomy and sclerotherapy and guarantees an excellent cosmetic effect, very important for women of all ages.The catheter insertion site is sealed with a special plaster, which is removed after 8-10 days;no stitches are needed.After the operation you will be able to live at your usual pace, practically without restrictions.
Compared to classic phlebectomy laser vein removal for 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 all others).Performing such an operation, like the classic removal of veins, is possible only after a comprehensive examination of the patient, taking into account all the features of the course of the disease.
Choosing a clinic for the treatment of varicose veins and surgery
Conservative and surgical treatment of varicose veins is now carried out in many public and private medical centers.The clinic you entrust your health to should have a serious reputation and experienced doctors who are well versed in various methods of venous surgery.
Classic phlebectomies, mini phlebectomies, sclerotherapy (in various variations), 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 is discussed with the patient, explaining the pros and cons of the methods, the risks of the 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 and others.In this case, a combined operation is performed to obtain a good result.
For doctors clinics that treat varicose veins, the results of therapy and the condition of patients are very important, both in the early and late postoperative period.That is why surgeons are always in touch and ready to answer any questions of interest to operated patients.
Advice from a phlebologist
Despite the choice of surgical techniques for the removal of varicose veins and the possibility of small outpatient interventions, any intervention requires a rehabilitation period and careful attention to one's health.Therefore, from the first appointment until the end of the medical check-up after the operation, everything must be done advice from a phlebologist:
- first of all wear the health shirt;special underwear is worn immediately after surgery, after phlebectomy.The first two days, as a rule, it is recommended to wear knitwear 24 hours a day. Then wear it daily for 3-6 weeks (according to the doctor's indications);
- after endovascular interventions (laser therapy), which are not combined with other methods, compression therapy is not necessary;in the case of a combined operation, it is necessary to wear it for a month or two.For the first two days the knitwear is left overnight.
- others advice from a phlebologist they concern physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, control of excess weight and changes in working conditions if they involve a prolonged static load on the legs.You need to walk every day for 40-60 minutes.You can add special exercises to your daily walks to strengthen your veins and blood vessels.During the first two months after surgery, perform all physical exercises wearing compression stockings.Remove squats and weight lifting (dumbbells, barbells) from the complex.Also, don't put too much stress on your lower abdomen.
In general, the most important condition for effective correction of varicose veins is the collaboration of the doctor and the patient.Trusting your doctor, following all his advice and then following the prevention rules helps maintain the health and beauty of your feet.