A surgical operation to remove the deformed veins from the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of the vessels is composed of three parts: superficial, deep and communicating, which, by the way, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through deep veins, subcutaneous lead only 10%.
However, despite this, it is they who are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is to eliminate the affected veins. The first time it was performed in the early 20th century.
Today, different techniques allow for the equally effective removal of all major vessels or just small saphenous veins with knots formed on them.
Let's consider in which cases an operation is prescribed for varicose veins on the legs, what varieties there are, as well as the consequences and contraindications for their implementation.
Indications for leg surgery
There are cases where drug treatment does not give any result in fighting varicose veins, in this case, surgery is the only way out of this situation. The fear of surgical intervention leads to the fact that patients try to put off going to the doctor as much as possible and, thus, only worsen the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory at the following points:
- severely neglected state of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the vessels, leading to systematic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with difficult-to-heal wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgical intervention, as each is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient and the presence of complications. A 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 bath;
- if necessary, shave the leg on which the operation will be;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical intervention for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each with its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has special characteristics. Vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but other than that everything is similar to normal operation.
- Vein stripping. Type of surgical operation during which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal crease. The partial one allows you to remove part of the vessel and the total one allows you to stretch the entire vessel by freezing it in the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the one removed are tied off. The lower limb is pulled with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive method of treatment. A sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to glue the lumen. Later, a scar appears at this location and the vein disappears completely. 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-shaped" method. The medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of veins. The new technology allows to remove the disease without incisions and removal of blood vessels. Surgical intervention is performed with the light that enters the vein through a puncture and, by heating the tissues, seals the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic dissection of veins. The operation is performed using an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied off. Complications do not appear, 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.
- radiofrequency removal. Less traumatic way to remove varicose veins, which came from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which moves along the length of the vein that is about to be removed. Then the device is turned on and the vase is glued with the help of the chain. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it, it does not require the introduction of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, the removal of varicose veins with the aid of surgery cannot be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes that occur in a severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical intervention, leg surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after a while.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of skin nerves;
- numbness of the ankle or inner surface of the 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 regimen.
Features of care after surgery
To save the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo a special course of treatment, which is selected taking into account the state 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 need to move. Just do special exercises: bend and unfold your legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is recommended to put on an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, raise the legs and keep for some time in this position;
- Cleaning the seams for the first time 6 months. performed only with warm water. Lather the areas by hand, without using hard cloths. It is important to remember that scars are formed for a long time and cannot be carried;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear 24 hours a day for 1 month. Then they take it out at night and do it for another 2 months;
- It's important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help thin your blood and strengthen your blood vessel walls.
As can be seen from all of the above, surgical treatment of dilated veins is quite 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 in the legs, like other problems in the body, are better to prevent than to treat.