Surgery to remove a deformed vein in the lower leg is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of a vessel consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicative, which, by the way, connect the two previous parts.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through the deep veins, subcutaneous behavior is only 10%.
However, despite this, they are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is to remove the affected vein. The first time it was held was in the early 20th century.
Today, different techniques make it possible to effectively remove the entire main canal or just a small saphenous vein with a knot formed on it.
Let's consider in what cases the operation is prescribed for varicose veins in the legs, what types are present, as well as the consequences and contraindications to its implementation.
Indications for foot surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any result in combating varicose veins, in this case, surgery is the only way out of this situation. The fear of surgical intervention 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:
- the condition of the varicose veins is very neglected;
- significant increase in subcutaneous canal;
- violation of the movement of blood through the ducts, leading to fatigue and systemic pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with hard healing wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgical intervention, as each is appropriate for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestations of the disease, the well -being of the patient and the presence of complications. Good performance requires a bit of preparation. It is important to pass all the required tests.
It is important to carry out the following activities:
- contrast bath;
- if necessary, shave the leg where the operation will be performed;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for varicose veins on the lower legs, each of which has pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are controlled:
- Miniphlebectomy. Operations that have special features. The vessel is removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to normal operation.
- Stripping the veins. A type of surgical resection in which the large saphenous vein is removed along with all of its tributaries. Incisions are usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial section allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the total volume allows you to stretch the entire vessel by freezing it onto the probe. All venous ducts adjacent to those removed were tied. The lower limb is pulled together with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive treatment methods. Sclerosant is injected into the defective vessel. Its action is to attach the lumen. Later, scars appear at this site and the veins disappear completely. Today, the following types of operations are known:
- echosclerotherapy. Deep vessels with a diameter of 1 cm were treated. This medicine is given under the control of a scanner. Sclerosant is injected with a needle;
- the "foam shape" method. The medicinal material is a special foam. This procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser freezing of veins. New technology makes it possible to remove the disease without incision and removal of blood vessels. Surgical intervention is performed using light that enters the vein through a puncture, and by heating the tissue, covering the affected area. In most cases, relapse does not occur.
- Endoscopic venous surgery. The operation was performed using an endoscope under video control. It is put in a slice and the vessel is tied. Complications do not arise, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon who performs this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radio frequency ablation. A less traumatic way to remove varicose veins, which come from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During surgery, a catheter is inserted into the vessel cavity, which moves over the length of the vein to be removed. Then the apparatus is turned on and the vessel is sealed with the aid of a current. Radio frequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it, it does not require the introduction of special materials.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, removal of veins in varicose veins with the help of surgery cannot be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions apply in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes occurring in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical intervention, foot surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after some time.
These include the following situations:
- decreased skin nerve sensitivity;
- numbness of the ankle or inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or pus;
- the appearance of a defective new ship;
- bruising and discoloration of the skin;
- slight pain in the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative regimen.
Features of postoperative care
To save the results, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and undergo a special course of treatment, selected taking into account the condition of the body, the prevalence of varicose veins and the type of surgical intervention.
Care includes the following:
- On the first day, it is important to observe sleep breaks. However, you still have to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and release the legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is recommended to wear an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, lift the legs and hold for some time in this position;
- Clean the seams for the first time in 6 months. carried out only with warm water. Lather the spot with your hands, without using a hard cloth. It is important to remember that scars form for a long time and cannot be loaded;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear all the time for 1 month. Then they took it off at night and did it for another 2 months;
- It is important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, the treatment of dilated vein surgery 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 on the legs, like other problems with the body, are better to prevent than to treat.