The purpose of operation for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation to remove varicose veins is indicated, it should not be hesitated to perform it, because the sooner it is performed, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other disorders and complications of varicose veins.
Indications for removing varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling in the legs;
- If there are signs of violation of blood flow to the face - feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue in the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are 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;
- Removal of varicose veins is also performed in the clinic for acute varicose vein thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications for phlebectomy
- In the late stage of varicose veins;
- With hypertension;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infectious processes;
- Advanced age of the patient;
- Inflammatory processes in the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not perform operations for varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vein removal operation is absolutely simple:
- Take a bath;
- Completely shave the leg to be operated on;
- Before the operation, the skin on the legs must be healthy and free from pustular diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed the day before the operation;
- Come to the operation in baggy clothes and shoes;
- If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor about it;
- During the operation, various medications can be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially novocaine and substances containing iodine, inform your surgeon about this.
Phlebectomy Procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, diseased veins are simply removed. This operation takes about 1 to 2 hours. Removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body because no more than 10% of the blood normally flows through the saphenous veins (ie, they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is transported through the so-called deep conjunctival veins in the legs. Therefore, by removing veins under the skin, these vessels easily carry the burden of blood circulation on themselves. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If defective vein valves are detected, extravasal correction of the incompetent valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After venous surgery, you need to follow some recommendations, the main one being elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is recommended to wear an elastic bandage or elastic stockings 24 hours a day for 1, 5 to 2 months. In addition, to restore the function of the operated legs, venotonic drugs are prescribed.
However, these operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that enable plastic surgery of the great saphenous vein valves without excision of the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but they are still very complicated and are dominated by a small circle of experts.
Rehabilitation
After the vein removal operation, the recommendations will be different for each patient - it all depends on the patient's degree of varicose veins, the presence of chronic diseases, the general state of health, as well as the nature and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a venous intervention, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his or her recommendations.
From the first hours after the operation, it is recommended to turn, bend the legs, etc. And simply raising the end of the bed 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
The day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage is applied with a compression stocking or elastic band on both legs, from the toes to the knee joints. Walking is only allowed after dressing. In addition, after removing the veins, physical therapy exercises and light massage are recommended to prevent thrombus formation.
7 to 10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or stationary bicycles, in addition to going to the sauna and bathing. On the 8th to 9th day, the stitches are removed and a series of physiotherapy exercises and aquatic procedures is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the suture is released.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of post-operative complications - slowing venous blood flow and post-operative thrombosis. It is possible that medications are also prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy depends largely on the stage of the varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself, and the presence or absence of complications from the varicose veins. Thus, 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 even after the operation, along with small scars at the incision sites.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy seriously depends on the individual's predisposition to scar tissue formation. In some, even with severe skin damage, thin scars are formed. Others, even with minimal damage, are predisposed to the formation of a thick keloid scar protruding above the surface of the skin.
Miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy) has become increasingly widespread.
A miniphlebectomy is the removal of veins through small holes in the skin. This procedure does not require large incisions like varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose veins, microphlebectomy may not require hospital or general anesthesia. The miniphlebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with a minimum of local anesthesia. The price of a miniphlebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing the varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises disappear on their own after 2 to 3 weeks and after 1 to 2 months there is practically no trace of varicose veins and the operation remains.
If you need an appointment with a specialist, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call by phone and specify the details of the operation for treating leg varicose veins at our clinic.