Varicose veins in the legs are a common condition 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 dilated veins in the lower extremities was with surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure comes down to introducing a special light guide into the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will unite and the blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- the classic removal of veins (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removing only part of the diseased vein (microphlebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Considering the listed disadvantages, which the laser lacks, it is the laser treatment of varicose veins that is rightly called the best option among the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for over 10 years, and during that time, laser coagulation has not caused any complaints. Not everyone can pay the price, but if you take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is perfectly possible to accumulate the necessary amount or take out a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and parvenous saphenous veins. Furthermore, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly uniform, without sharp curves. Branches of veins should be healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial phase of varicose veins, when gravity is low, and this only applies to superficial veins. On the other hand, veins dilated by more than 1 cm can also be "glued" with laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will detach itself again and the entire treatment will go to waste.
The laser works on a small area, which eliminates the negative impact on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in case of significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins, laser is not effective. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the cases listed above, when the technique becomes ineffective, laser endovasal coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it can cause harm to the patient. There are enough contraindications and all are divided into relative and absolute.
The relative ones include those contraindications that only at this moment do not allow the operation to be carried out. They can be burns and skin inflammation, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem, and then proceed with 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, as during this period the body becomes fragile and the load on the legs is great. Due to congestion of the veins in the lower extremities, the operation is not performed on obese patients - complications are likely.
Absolutes include those contraindications, due to which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following states:
- damage to blood vessel walls;
- altered lymph and blood flow in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
In the context of such conditions, laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle - if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), the vessel may become inflamed and treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs is performed on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not necessary as the area of influence is very small and the process takes place inside the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on the recommendation of a doctor if you are afraid of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- a small incision is made in the skin of the leg, through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This accessory will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is expelled from the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the vessel walls unite, the blood no longer circulates here.
Usually, laser treatment takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged veins are sealed, blood is directed through deep veins located within the muscles. After this 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 about the main advantages:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, on the same day you can go home;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin, which later heals without scars and scars;
- modern laser equipment spreads the radiation well, which allows a high quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to remove veins immediately in both legs;
- the rehabilitation period is very quick and painless. An hour after the procedure, you can go home and, after a few days, live the same life.
Considering the advantages of the procedure, it is clear why the treatment of varicose veins by laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safest. After that, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scarring and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Any medical manipulation has both advantages and disadvantages. When removing the veins in the legs, laser treatment also doesn't always go 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 laser;
- with a large diameter of the injured vessel, laser therapy is combined with a surgical operation, and incisions and marks on the skin cannot be dispensed with;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after the operation, which not everyone likes;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high prices of laser procedures.
After weighing the mentioned advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how best to treat varicose veins in a specific case.
Rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser vein clotting. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not necessary, as is bed rest. The same can be said about taking antibiotics, physical therapy procedures and tightly bandaged legs like a mummy's - the modern procedure is totally free from these deficiencies.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to gradually ascend. First, you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can get up. A sharp increase after an hour lying on the couch is not recommended as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when transferring his weight to them. The only thing that can bother you is a slight tingling sensation where the light guide was inserted in the leg. Since there is no pain syndrome, you do not need to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the wearing of compression stockings. The duration of use of these underwear and the degree of compression should be discussed with the physician individually. Thanks to compression stockings, swelling is eliminated and blood flow in the superficial veins is interrupted, its role being taken over by deep blood vessels. Compressive garments purchased in advance are placed on the patient's legs directly in the operating room after laser coagulation is complete.
For the first 2 days after the procedure, the compression stocking is left on the legs at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and removed at night. Since compression tights heat the body, it is advisable to do the procedure during the cold season. That way you avoid the discomfort and need to wear pantyhose on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk unaided. The only thing that should not be done with varicose veins and after surgery is lifting weights. During the first week, it is undesirable to go to the sauna and steam bath. In the future, you will be able to safely walk long distances, drive a car, and do your usual activities.
General recommendations for anyone who has found varicose veins in their legs are as follows:
- control your body weight, as extra pounds puts a strain on your spine, heart, and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If your job involves sitting or standing for a long time, take breaks and warm up every now and then;
- you can't sit cross-legged - it constricts the blood vessels;
- smoking must be abandoned forever;
- shoes must be comfortable, female heels - up to 5 cm tall;
- normalize the daily routine, complementing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
By observing the listed recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a long period.