The purpose of the operation for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation to remove varicose veins is indicated, you should not hesitate with its implementation, because the sooner it is performed, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other ailments and complications of varicose veins.
Indications for the removal of varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- If there are signs of a violation of the outflow of blood on the face - a feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue in the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic skin diseases 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 to phlebectomy
- In the advanced 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 perform operations for varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vein removal operation is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Completely shave the leg to be operated on;
- Before the operation, the skin on the legs must be healthy and free from pustular diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, then on the eve of the operation, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed;
- Come to the operation in loose shoes and clothes;
- If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor;
- During the operation, various medications may be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially novocaine and iodine-containing substances, be sure to inform your surgeon of this.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the diseased veins are simply removed. This 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 the blood normally flows through the saphenous veins (that is, they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of the venous blood is carried by the deep and so-called connective veins of the legs. Therefore, when removing the veins under the skin, these vessels easily take over the load of blood circulation. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If malfunctioning venous valves are detected, extravasal correction of incompetent valves is performed in order to restore normal blood outflow. After vein surgery, some recommendations should be followed, the main one of which is elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is advised to use an elastic bandage or elastic stockings around the clock for 1. 5-2 months. Also, to restore the function of the operated legs, venotonic drugs are prescribed.
However, such operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Methods have recently been developed that allow plastic surgery to be performed on the valves of the great saphenous vein without removing the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but they are still very complicated and are handled by a small circle of specialists.
Rehabilitation
After the vein removal operation, 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, the general state of health, as well as the nature and extent of the operation. Therefore, after a vein surgery, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his advice.
From the first hours after the operation, it is recommended to turn, bend the legs, etc. And simply raising the end of the bed 8-10cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
The day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage with compression stockings or elastic bandage is performed on both legs from the tips of the toes to the knee joints. Walking is only allowed after getting dressed. Also, after removal of the veins, physiotherapy exercises and light massage are recommended as a prevention of thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bikes, as well as visit the sauna and bathroom. On the 8-9th day, the stitches are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water procedures is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the suture is released.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing the venous outflow of blood and postoperative thrombosis. Medicines may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of the varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. Hence, in the initial stages of varicose veins, the size and number of scars can be minimized. If varicose veins are neglected and accompanied by trophic ulcers, dermatitis and extensive pigmentation, these cosmetic defects remain even after the operation, along with small scars at the incision sites.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy seriously depends on the predisposition of the individual to the formation of scar tissue. In some, even with severe skin damage, fine scars are formed. Others, even with very minor damage, have a predisposition to the formation of a coarse keloid scar that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniflebectomy (microflebectomy) has become increasingly popular.
A miniflebectomy is the removal of veins through tiny punctures of the skin. This procedure does not require major incisions such as varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose veins, microflebectomy may require neither hospital nor general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with a minimum of local anesthesia. The price of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the problematic vessel.
After removing varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises disappear 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 specialist advice, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call by phone and specify the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs in our clinic.