Varicose veins on the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different sexes and ages, regardless of their country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of the dilated veins in the lower extremities was through surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure consists in inserting a special light guide into the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel sticks together and the blood flow is directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies then:
- classic vein removal (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- Removing only part of the diseased vein (microflebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- Sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Given the listed drawbacks that the laser lacks, laser treatment for varicose veins is rightly the best option among the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for more than 10 years and during that time laser coagulation did not cause any discomfort. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, then it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or take out a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated for dilated large and small saphenous veins. In addition, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be largely uniform without sharp curves. The branches of the veins should either be healthy or slightly expanded. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial stages of varicose veins, when the severity is low, and this applies only to the superficial veins. The veins, which have been enlarged by more than 1 cm, can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that the vessel will loosen again in the future and all treatments will be lost.
The laser acts on a small area, eliminating the negative effects on adjacent tissue. For this reason, the laser is not effective when there is significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the cases listed above, if the technique is ineffective, endovascular laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it may harm the patient. There are enough contraindications, and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relative include those contraindications that do not allow the operation to be carried out only at this point in time. There can be burns and inflammation on the skin, exacerbation of chronic diseases. It is necessary to cure the current problem, and then proceed to the removal of the veins with a laser. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered relative contraindications, since the body is weakened during this time and the legs are put under heavy strain. Due to the clogging of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed in obese people - complications are likely.
The absolute contraindications include those that prohibit a person from laser removal. These are the following states:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- impaired lymph and blood flow in the legs;
- Thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications relate to people's lifestyle - if in the future (after surgery) it is not possible to actively move and wear compression garments, the vessel may become inflamed and treatment will be ineffective.
How is the procedure carried out
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with a laser is carried out on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia and local anesthesia are not required, as the area of influence is very small and the process takes place within the blood vessel. If necessary, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can take a sedative if there is a fear of an operation. The essence of the procedure:
- A small incision is made on the skin of the leg through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device emits laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- the radiation pushes blood out of the damaged vein;
- Under the influence of the laser, the vessel walls stick together, the blood no longer circulates here.
Laser treatment usually takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged veins are blocked, the blood is directed through deep veins located in the muscles. After such a procedure there are no scars and bruises.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages compared to other methods. Everyone should know the main benefits:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, as the procedure is an outpatient procedure, you can go home the same day.
- the procedure offers the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin, which then heals without scars or scars;
- modern laser devices scatter the radiation well, which enables high-quality treatment in the vessel. This will eliminate the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove veins on both legs;
- the rehabilitation phase is very quick and painless. You can go home an hour after the procedure and live the same life after a few days.
Looking at the listed advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins by means of laser coagulation is considered to be the most effective and safest. After that there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scars and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Every medical manipulation has advantages and disadvantages as well. Even when removing veins from the legs, the laser treatment is not always cloudless. More precisely, before the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- a severe stage of varicose veins is not treated with a laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with surgical intervention, and it is impossible to do without cuts and marks on the skin;
- Laser treatment for varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after surgery, which not everyone likes;
- Many consider the high prices for laser processes to be the main disadvantage.
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages mentioned, you can discuss with your doctor how best to treat varicose veins in each individual case.
rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser coagulation of veins. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization and bed rest are not required. The same applies to the intake of antibiotics, physiotherapeutic procedures and firmly connected legs like with a mummy - the modern procedure is completely free of these deficiencies.
At the end of the operation, the doctor will gradually let the patient stand up. First you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can get on your feet. Standing up hard after lying on the couch for an hour is not recommended as this can lead to vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel any pain in the legs when putting his weight on them. The only thing that could bother you is a slight tingling sensation at the area on the leg through which the light guide was inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, there is no need to take pain medication.
Wearing compression stockings is a prerequisite for the rehabilitation phase. The length of time such underwear is worn and the degree of compression should be discussed individually with the doctor. Thanks to compression stockings, swelling is eliminated and the flow of blood through the superficial veins, whose role is taken over by deep blood vessels, is stopped. The compression stockings purchased in advance are placed on the patient's legs directly in the operating room after the laser coagulation has ended.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, the compression stockings are also left on the legs at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and taken off at night. Since compression tights heat up the body, it is advisable to perform the procedure in the cold season. This will avoid discomfort and wearing tights on hot days.
Physical activity is not restricted - you can walk without assistance. The only thing not to be done with varicose veins and after surgery is lifting weights. In the first week, it is undesirable to visit the sauna and steam room in the bathroom. In the future, you can safely cover long distances, drive a car and go about your usual activities.
General recommendations for anyone who has varicose veins on their legs are as follows:
- control body weight, as extra pounds put a strain on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- Avoid static poses. If your job involves sitting or standing for long periods of time, you need to take breaks from time to time and warm up;
- You cannot sit cross-legged - this will narrow your blood vessels;
- quit smoking forever;
- Shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- Normalize the daily routine and supplement it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
If you follow the recommendations listed, you can prolong the effect of the operation over a long period of time.