The purpose of surgery for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if varicose vein removal surgery is indicated, you should not hesitate 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 removal of varicose veins
- With extensive 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 violation of the outflow of blood on the face - a feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic skin disorders 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 thrombophlebitis of varicose veins.
Contraindications for phlebectomy
- In the late stage of varicose veins;
- With hypertension;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With serious infectious processes;
- Advanced age of the patient;
- Inflammatory processes in the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- Varicose vein surgeries do not work in the second half of pregnancy either.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparation for vein removal surgery is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Shave your leg to operate on it completely;
- Before surgery, the skin of the feet must be healthy and free of purulent diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be reported under general anesthesia, obligatory cleansing enemas are prescribed before the operation;
- Come to the operation in wide 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 have an intolerance or are allergic to any medication, especially novocaine and substances that contain iodine, be sure to inform your surgeon.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, 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 no more than 10% of blood normally flows through saphenous veins (they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood carries deep and so-called leg ligaments. Therefore, when removing veins under the skin, these vessels easily take the burden of blood circulation on themselves. After the operation, the scars remain almost invisible, only 4-5 mm.
If defective vein valves are detected, extravasal correction of incapable valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After vein surgery, you need to follow some recommendations, the main of which is elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is recommended to use an elastic bandage or elastic stockings for an entire hour for 1. 5-2 months. In addition, venotonic drugs are prescribed to restore the function of the operated legs.
However, such surgeries are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that enable plastic surgery on the valves of the great saphenous vein without cutting the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but they are still very complex and are mastered by a narrow circle of experts.
Rehabilitation
After vein removal surgery, the recommendations will be different for each patient - 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 vein intervention, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his 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 by 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
The day after surgery, to treat varicose veins, a bandage is performed with compression stockings or an elastic bandage on both feet from the toes to the knee joints. Walking is allowed only after dressing. Also, after removing the veins, physiotherapy exercises and a light massage are recommended as a prevention of thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or bicycles, as well as visit the sauna and bath. 8-9. During the day, the sutures are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water procedures is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after suture release.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing of venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. It is possible that medications to prevent blood clots will also be prescribed.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. Thus, in the initial stages of varicose veins, the size and number of scars can be reduced to a minimum. If varicose veins are neglected and followed by trophic ulcers, dermatitis and extensive pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain after surgery, along with small scars at the incision sites.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy seriously depends on the individual predisposition to the formation of scar tissue. In some, even with severe skin damage, thin scars form. Others, even with very little damage, have a predisposition to create a rough keloid scar that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniphlebectomy (microphlebectomy) has become more widespread.
Miniphlebectomy is the removal of veins through small skin perforations. This procedure does not require larger incisions like varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of varicose veins, microphlebectomy may not require hospital or general anesthesia. The miniphlebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal local anesthesia. The cost of a miniphlebectomy depends on the length of the problematic vessel.
After removing the varicose veins, bruises appear on the legs. The bruises go away on their own after 2-3 weeks, and after 1-2 months there are virtually no traces of varicose veins and surgery remains.
If you need a specialist consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call the phone and give the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins on the legs in our clinic.