Surgery to remove deformed blood vessels in the lower extremities is called phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicative, by the way, connecting the previous two.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through deep veins, subcutaneous permeability is only 10%.
However, they are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is the removal of affected blood vessels. It was first held in the early 20th century.
Today, different techniques allow you to remove all the main veins or small saphenous veins with knots formed on them equally effectively.
Let's look at the cases in which surgery is prescribed for varicose veins in the legs, what types are available, as well as the results and contraindications.
Instructions for foot surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not work in the fight against varicose veins, in which case surgery is the only way out. Fear of surgery causes patients to try to delay their visit to the doctor as much as possible, thus aggravating the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following cases:
- severe neglect of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- disruption of blood flow through the arteries, causing systemic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with severe healing wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgical intervention, because each is suitable for each individual situation. Before choosing, the doctor should 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 to be operated on;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated on:
- Miniflebectomy. Operation with special features. The veins are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything looks like a normal operation.
- Peeling of blood vessels. A type of surgery in which the great sapen vein is removed along with all the branches. The incision is usually made in the inguinal layer. It allows you to partially remove part of the ship and extend the whole ship by freezing the common one with a probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are closed. The lower extremity is pulled together with an elastic bandage.
- Vascular sclerosis. Minimally invasive treatment. Sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to glue the lumen. Later, a scar develops at this site and the vein disappears completely. The following types of this operation are known today:
- exosclerotherapy. Deep veins 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 form" method. The drug is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of blood vessels. New technology allows to eliminate the disease without incisions and removal of blood vessels. The surgery is performed using light that passes through a vein through a puncture and seals the affected areas by heating the tissues. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic venous dissection. The operation is performed through an endoscope under video surveillance. It is inserted into the incision and the vein is closed. Complications are not visible, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive practical experience. It is a very popular type of surgery today.
- radiofrequency ablation. A less traumatic way to remove varicose veins from cardiac surgery. Used in conjunction with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which moves to the length of the vein to be removed. Then the device is turned on and the dish is glued with the help of current. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but does not require the use of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the advantages, the removal of blood vessels in varicose veins with the help of surgery can not be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- final stage of the disease;
- presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- severe infectious processes;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical procedure, foot surgery can have immediate or immediate consequences.
These include the following:
- decreased sensitivity of the skin nerves;
- alignment of the inner surface of the ankle or lower leg;
- bleeding or pus;
- appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruises and discoloration of the skin;
- mild pain in the affected area.
To prevent all this, it is important to follow a postoperative regimen.
Postoperative care features
To maintain the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo a special course of treatment, taking into account the condition of the body, the prevalence of varicose veins and the type of surgery.
Care includes:
- It is important to adhere to bed rest on the first day. However, you still need to act. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and flex the legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is recommended to wear an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, lift the legs up and keep them in this position for a while;
- Cleaning the seams for the first time 6 months. carried out only with hot water. Foam the areas with your hands without using stiff washcloths. It is important to remember that scars form over a long period of time and cannot be loaded;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear day and night for 1 month. Then they take it out at night and do it for 2 months;
- It is important to follow 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 varicose veins is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and try to see a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins in the legs, like other problems in the body, are better prevented than treated.