The purpose of surgery for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. So, if surgery to remove varicose veins is indicated, then you should not hesitate to perform it, because the sooner it is performed, the faster blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other diseases and complications of varicose veins.
Indications for removing varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- When the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- When the varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- With signs of a violation of the outflow of blood on the face - heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- For trophic skin diseases that do not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence or absence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- The removal of varicose veins is carried out in the clinic even with acute thrombophlebitis of the varicose veins.
Contraindications to phlebectomy
- In the late stages of varicose veins;
- With high blood pressure;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infection processes;
- Advanced age of the patient;
- Inflammatory processes on the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not perform operations on varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for vein removal surgery is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Shave the leg to be operated completely;
- Before the operation, the skin of the legs must be healthy and free from pustular diseases;
- If the operation is to be performed under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed on the evening before the operation;
- Come to the operation in baggy shoes and clothing;
- If you are taking any medication, tell your doctor about it.
- Various medications can be used during the operation, and if you have an intolerance or allergy to medications, especially novocaine and substances containing iodine, be sure to tell your surgeon.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the diseased veins are simply removed. This process takes about 1-2 hours. Removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is harmless to the body, as normally no more than 10% of the blood flows through the saphenous veins (they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of the venous blood is transported through the deep and so-called connective veins of the legs. Therefore, when veins under the skin are removed, these vessels easily take on blood circulation. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If a malfunction of the venous valves is detected, extravascular correction of the failing valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After having vein surgery, you need to follow a few recommendations, the most important of which is elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is recommended to wear an elastic bandage or elastic stockings around the clock for 1. 5-2 months. In order to restore the function of the operated legs, venotonic drugs are also prescribed.
However, such operations are still associated with a high risk of scarring. Recently, procedures have been developed that allow the valves of the great saphenous vein to be operated on plastically without excising the veins. These operations on varicose veins are very effective, but nevertheless very complicated and are mastered by a small group of specialists.
rehabilitation
After surgery to remove veins, the recommendations for each patient differ - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins in the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, the general state of health, as well as the type and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a vein procedure, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his recommendations.
From the first few hours after the operation, it is recommended to turn and bend your legs, etc. And a simple lifting of the end of the bed by 8-10 cm improves venous blood flow significantly.
The day after the operation, a bandage with compression stockings or elastic bandages is applied to both legs from the tips of the toes to the knee joints to treat varicose veins. Walking is only allowed after getting dressed. Even after veins have been removed, physical therapy exercises and light massages are recommended to prevent thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bikes, or visit the sauna or bath. On the 8th-9thOn the 2nd day, the stitches are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water applications is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the seam is released.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing down of venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. Medicines to prevent blood clots may also be prescribed.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of the varicose veins, the specifics of the venous system itself, and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. In this way, 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, dermatitis and extensive pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain with small scars at the interfaces even after the operation.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy depends heavily on the individual predisposition to the formation of scar tissue. For some, thin scars form even with severe skin damage. Others, even with very little damage, tend to form a coarse keloid scar that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniflebectomy (microflebectomy) has become more and more widespread.
A miniflebectomy is the removal of veins through tiny punctures in the skin. This procedure doesn't require major incisions like varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose veins, microflebectomy may not require hospital or general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis with a minimum of local anesthesia. The price of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises will go away on their own after 2-3 weeks, after 1-2 months there are practically no varicose veins and the operation will continue.
If you need specialist advice, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call us and give the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs in our clinic.