Varicose veins on the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of the country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of varicose veins of the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure comes down to the introduction of a special light guide into the blood vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick, and the blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classic vein removal (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removal of only part of the diseased vein (microphlebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy in some cases causes allergies.
Given these shortcomings, which the laser lacks, laser treatment of varicose veins is rightly called the best option of the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for more than 10 years, during which time laser coagulation has not caused any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the efficiency of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or take a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and small saphenous veins. Moreover, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly uniform, without sharp bends. The branches of the veins should be either healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial phase of varicose veins, when the weight is low, and that only applies to superficial veins. As for varicose veins by more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a danger that in the future the vessel will peel off again and all treatment will fail.
The laser acts on a small area, thus eliminating the negative impact on neighboring tissues. For that reason, in the case of significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins, the laser is not effective. In such situations, choose one of the above classic methods.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the above cases, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it can harm the patient. There are enough contraindications, and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relative include those contraindications that only at this time do not allow the operation. These can be burns and inflammation of the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem, and then approach the removal of 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, because during this period the body is weakened and the load on the legs is great. Due to the blockage of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed on obese people - complications are possible.
Absolutes include those contraindications, due to which the person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following conditions:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- impaired lymph and blood flow in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and propensity to thrombosis.
In the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications relate to people's lifestyle - if in the future (after surgery) it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear, then the blood vessel may become inflamed, and treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Laser treatment of varicose veins on the legs is performed on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not required, as the area of influence is very small and the process takes place within the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative as recommended by your 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 the light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is squeezed out of the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the walls of the vessels stick, the blood no longer circulates here.
Usually laser treatment lasts up to 90 minutes. Once the damaged veins are sealed, blood is directed through the deep veins located inside the muscle. There are no scars or hematomas after such a procedure.
Advantages of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser removal of varicose veins has numerous advantages. Everyone should know about the main benefits:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, because the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, because the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture on the skin, which will then heal without scarring and scarring;
- modern laser equipment scatters radiation well, which enables high-quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove the veins on 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.
Taking into account the stated advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins with laser coagulation has been recognized as the most efficient and safest. After that, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scars and discomfort, complications and recurrences.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Every medical manipulation has its advantages and disadvantages. When removing veins on the legs, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. Specifically, before the procedure you need to be aware of the possible difficulties and shortcomings of the technique:
- the severe phase of varicose veins is not treated with laser;
- with a large diameter damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with surgery, and can not be without cuts and marks on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after surgery, which is not to everyone's liking;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high cost of laser procedures.
After weighing these pros and cons, you can talk to your doctor about how best to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser vein coagulation. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not necessary, as well as resting in bed. The same can be said for taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and legs that are tightly wrapped, like my mother's - a modern procedure is completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to gradually rise. First you have to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can get to your feet. Sudden ascent after an hour of 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 he transfers his weight to them. The only thing that may bother you is a slight burning sensation in the place on the leg through which the light guide is inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, then you do not have to take pain medication.
Prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be wearing compression stockings. The duration of wearing such underwear and the degree of its compression should be discussed with the doctor individually. Thanks to compression stockings, the swelling is removed and the flow of blood through the superficial veins is stopped, and their role is taken over by deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression garments are placed on the patient's feet directly in the operating room after laser coagulation is completed.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, compression socks are left on the feet even at night, then worn during the day during the entire period recommended by the doctor, and taken off at night. Since compression tights will warm the body, it is advisable to do the procedure in the cold season. This way you can avoid the discomfort and need to wear tights on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without help. 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 visit the sauna and steam bath in the bathtub. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive a car and perform your usual activities.
General recommendations for anyone who has encountered varicose veins on the legs are as follows:
- control body weight, because excess weight is a burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If your professional activity involves prolonged sitting or standing, you need to take breaks and warm up from time to time;
- you can not sit cross-legged - it narrows blood vessels;
- smoking must be stopped forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize your daily routine, supplementing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
By following these recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a longer period.