The purpose of surgery for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation is performed to remove varicose veins, you should not hesitate to perform it, because the sooner it is performed, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other diseases and complications of varicose veins.
Indications for removal of varicose veins
- With wide varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased leg fatigue and swelling;
- If there are signs of impaired blood flow to the face - heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic skin diseases that do not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- Removal of varicose veins is also performed in the clinic of acute varicose vein thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications to 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 operate on varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vascular removal operation is quite simple:
- Take a shower;
- Shave the leg to be completely operated on;
- Before the operation, the skin of the feet should be healthy and free from pustular diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed before the operation;
- Come to surgery in loose shoes and clothes;
- If you are taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor;
- Various medications can be used during the operation, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medication, especially novocaine and iodine, be sure to tell your surgeon.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the diseased veins are simply removed. This operation takes about 1-2 hours. Removal of saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body because more than 10% of saphenous blood normally flows through saphenous veins (i. e. , affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is carried by the deep and so-called connecting veins of the legs. Therefore, when removing the blood vessels under the skin, these blood vessels easily take over the bloodstream. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If defective valves are found, extravasal correction of incompetent valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After vascular surgery, you should follow some recommendations based on elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is advised to use an elastic bandage or elastic stockings throughout the day for 1, 5-2 months. In addition, venotonic drugs are prescribed to restore the function of the operated legs.
However, such operations are still associated with a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that make it possible to perform plastic surgery on the caps of large saphenous veins without removing the vessels. Although these operations are very effective for varicose veins, they are still very complex and are mastered by a small circle of specialists.
Rehabilitation
The recommendations for each patient after vascular removal surgery will be different - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins in the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, general health, as well as the nature and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a vascular intervention, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his recommendations.
From the first hours after the operation, turning, bending the legs, etc. And simply raising the tip of the bed by 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
One day after the operation, a bandage is applied to the varicose veins using compression stockings or an elastic bandage on both feet from the tips of the toes to the knee joints. Walking is allowed only after dressing. In addition, after vascular removal, physiotherapy exercises and light massage are recommended to prevent thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or sports bikes, as well as visit the sauna and bath. On days 8-9, the stitches are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water procedures is scheduled. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the suture is released.
Exercise for varicose veins is especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. It is also possible to prescribe medication to prevent blood clots.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the venous system and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. Thus, the size and number of scars in the early stages of varicose veins can be minimized. If varicose veins are neglected and accompanied by trophic ulcers, dermatitis and extensive pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain with small scars on the incisions even after surgery.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy is strongly dependent on the formation of scar tissue in the individual. In some cases, even with severe skin damage, fine marks appear. Others, even if only slightly damaged, tend to form a thick keloid scar that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniphlebectomy (microflebectomy) has become increasingly widespread.
Miniphlebectomy is the removal of blood vessels through small pores. This procedure does not require large incisions such as varicose veins. Depending on the varicose veins, microflebectomy may require neither hospitalization nor general anesthesia. The miniphlebectomy procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting with minimal local anesthesia. The cost of a miniphlebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing the varicose veins, bruises appear on the legs. The ulcers go away on their own after 2-3 weeks, and after 1-2 months there are practically no traces of varicose veins and the operation remains.
If you need a specialist consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call and record the details of the operation to treat varicose veins in the legs in our clinic.