A surgical procedure to remove the deformed veins of the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicating, which, by the way, connects the previous two.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through deep veins, subcutaneously only 10%.
Nevertheless, they are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
During a phlebectomy, the affected veins are removed. It was held for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century.
Various techniques make it possible today to remove the entire main vessels or just small saphenous veins with knots formed on them with equal effectiveness.
Let's consider in which cases surgery for varicose veins in the legs is prescribed, what are the varieties, as well as the consequences and contraindications for their implementation.
Indications for leg surgery
There are cases when drug treatment in the fight against varicose veins does not bring any result. In this case, surgery is the only way out of this situation. Fear of surgery causes patients to try to delay seeing the doctor as much as possible, thereby only making the situation worse.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following points:
- strongly neglected condition of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of blood movement through the vessels, which leads to systematic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with difficult-to-heal wounds;
- Aggravation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgical intervention, since each is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the patient's well-being and the presence of complications. Good performance requires some preparation. It is important to pass all the necessary tests.
It is important to carry out the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- If necessary, shave the leg that will be operated on.
- come to the hospital before the agreed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Consider how varicose veins are operated on:
- miniphlebectomy. An operation with special characteristics. Vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to regular operation.
- Remove veins. A type of surgical intervention in which the large saphenous vein with all its tributaries is removed. The incision is usually made in the groin crease. The partial allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the full allows you to stretch the entire vessel by freezing it to the probe. All venous vessels next to the removed one are tied off. The lower limb is tightened with an elastic bandage.
- sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive treatment method. A sclerosing agent is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to seal the lumen. Later, a scar appears in this place, and the vein completely disappears. Today, the following types of this operation are known:
- echosclerotherapy. Deep vessels with a diameter of 1 cm are treated, the drug is administered under the control of a scanner. A sclerosant is injected with a needle;
- "foam mold" method. Medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of veins. The new technology makes it possible to remove the disease without incisions and removal of blood vessels. The surgical procedure is performed with light that enters the vein through a puncture and, by heating the tissue, seals the affected areas. In most cases, there are no relapses.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed with an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied off. Complications do not arise, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radio frequency ablation. Less traumatic method of removing varicose veins resulting from cardiac surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, moving up along the vein to be removed. Then the apparatus is switched on and the vessel is glued with electricity. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it does not require the introduction of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, vein removal for varicose veins with the help of an operation cannot be performed by all patients.
Restrictions occur today in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary disease;
- infectious processes that take place in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical procedure, leg surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or over time.
This includes the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of skin nerves;
- numbness of the ankle or inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and skin discoloration;
- slight pain in the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative regime.
Features of care after surgery
In order to save the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo special treatment, which is 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 bed rest. However, you still have to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and straighten your legs, as well as twist them to the side;
- It is recommended to put on an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, raise your legs and hold them in this position for some time.
- First cleaning of the seams 6 months. done with warm water only. Lather the areas with your hands without using hard washcloths. It is important to remember that scars are long formed and cannot be stressed;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear 24/7 for 1 month. Then they take it off at night and do 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, surgical treatment of enlarged veins is very 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 prevented than treated.