The purpose of surgery for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if indicated surgery to remove varicose veins, you should not hesitate with its implementation, because the earlier it is done, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or cure disorders and other complications of varicose veins.
Instructions for getting rid of varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous vein is pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- If there are signs of violation of blood flow in the face - a feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased leg fatigue, even without varicose veins;
- If there is a trophic skin disorder that does not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence or absence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- Varicose vein removal is also performed in clinics for acute varicose vein thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications to phlebectomy
- In the final stages of varicose veins;
- With high blood pressure;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infectious processes;
- The advanced age of the patient;
- Inflammatory processes in the feet, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not perform surgery for varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vein removal operation is very easy:
- Go take a shower;
- Shave the legs for full control;
- Prior to surgery, the skin of the feet must be healthy and free of pustular disease;
- If surgery is planned to be performed with general anesthesia, a mandatory cleansing enema is prescribed the night before surgery;
- Come to the operation with loose shoes and clothing;
- If you are taking medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it;
- During surgery, a variety of medications can be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially substances that contain novocaine and iodine, be sure to tell your surgeon about this.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the sore vein is simply removed. This operation takes about 1-2 hours. Removal of the saphenous vein does not interfere with normal and safe blood flow for the body, as no more than 10% of blood normally flows through the saphenous vein (i. e. , it is affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is carried by the deep veins of the legs and is called. Therefore, while removing the veins under the skin, these channels easily take on the burden of blood circulation on themselves. After surgery, almost invisible scars are still there, only 4-5 mm.
If a malfunctioning venous valve is detected, extraravasal correction of the incompetent valve is performed to restore normal blood flow. After vein surgery, you need to follow a few recommendations, the main one being elastic compression.
After surgery, patients are recommended to use elastic bandages or elastic stockings all the time for 1. 5-2 months. In addition, to restore operated leg function, venotonic medication is prescribed.
However, such operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, a method has been developed that makes it possible to perform plastic surgery on a large saphenous vein valve without removing the vein. This operation for varicose veins is very effective, but still very complicated and mastered by a small group of specialists.
Recovery
After venous removal surgery, recommendations will be different for each patient - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins in the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, general health conditions, as well as the nature and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a venous intervention, listen to your surgeon carefully and follow his recommendations.
From the first hour after surgery, it is recommended to twist, bend the legs, etc. By raising the end of the bed to a height of 8-10 cm significantly increases venous blood flow.
The day after surgery, for the treatment of varicose veins, bandages are performed using compression stockings or elastic bandages on both feet from the tip of the toes to the knee joint. It is allowed to walk only after dressing. Also, after venous removal, physiotherapy exercises and light massage are recommended as prevention of thrombus formation.
7-10 days after surgery, you can not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bikes, as well as visit the sauna and bath. On days 8-9, sutures were removed and underwent physiotherapy training and water procedures. Elastic compression is required at least 2 months after suture release.
Exercise for varicose veins is very important for the elderly. This is the ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing of venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. It is possible that medications will also be prescribed to prevent blood clots.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy is highly dependent on the degree of varicose veins, the peculiarity of the venous system itself and the presence or absence of varicose vein complications. 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, extensive dermatitis and pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain even after surgery, along with small scars at the incision site.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy is highly dependent on the individual’s predisposition to scar tissue formation. In some, even with serious damage to the skin, thin scars form. Others, even with very little damage, have a tendency for the formation of coarse keloid scars that protrude above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniflebectomy (microflebectomy) has become more widespread.
Miniflebectomy is the removal of a vein through a small skin puncture. This procedure does not require large incisions such as varicose vein surgery. Depending on the extent of the varicose veins, microphlebectomy may not require hospitalization or general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy procedure can be performed outpatiently with a minimum of local anesthesia. The price of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the vessel in question.
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 almost no traces of varicose veins and surgery is still there.
If you need an expert consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call by phone and state the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs in our clinic.