Varicose veins on the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different sexes and ages, regardless of the country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of the dilated 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 is reduced to the introduction of a special light guide into the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will merge and the blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classical removal of veins (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removing only part of the diseased vein (microflebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Considering the listed disadvantages, which laser lacks, it is the laser treatment of varicose veins that is rightfully called the best option among the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for more than 10 years and during this time the laser coagulation did not cause any problems. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or take out a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of large and small dilated saphenous veins. In addition, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly even, without tight bends. The branches of the veins should be healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial stage of varicose veins, when gravity is small, and this only applies to superficial veins. As for veins dilated by more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will detach again and all the treatment will be wasted.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative impact on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in the event of significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins, the laser is not effective. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the cases listed above, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovascular 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 ones include those contraindications that only at this moment do not allow to perform the operation. It can be burns and inflammation on the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem and then proceed with the removal of the 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, since during this period the body is weakened and the load on the legs is great. Due to the congestion of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed in obese people - complications are likely.
The absolute ones include those contraindications, due to which a person is forbidden to remove the laser. These are the following states:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- disturbed flow of lymph and blood in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications relate to people's lifestyle: if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), the vessel may become inflamed and the treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with a laser is carried out on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not necessary, as the area of influence is very small and the process takes place inside the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on the advice of a 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 a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is expelled from the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the vessel walls merge, blood no longer circulates here.
Typically, laser treatment takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged veins have been sealed, blood is directed through the deep veins that are found within the muscles. After such a procedure, there are no scars and hematomas.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser removal of varicose veins has many advantages. Everyone should know the main advantages:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, since the procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis, on the same day you can go home;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture on the skin, which will subsequently heal without scars and scars;
- modern laser equipment diffuses radiation well, which allows for high-quality treatment inside the ship. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- you can 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 couple of days, live the same life.
Considering the listed advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins by laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. After it, there are no thrombophlebitis and secondary infections, scarring and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser venous treatment
Any medical manipulation has, as well as advantages and disadvantages. When removing leg veins, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. More precisely, before the procedure, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- a severe stage of varicose veins is not treated with a laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with a surgical operation, and one cannot do without incisions and marks on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after the operation, which not everyone likes;
- The main drawback is considered by many to be the high prices for laser procedures.
After evaluating the mentioned advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how best to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser coagulation of the veins. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not required, as is bed rest. The same can be said about taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and well-bandaged legs, like those of a mummy - the modern procedure is completely devoid of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to get up gradually. First you need to sit on the sofa for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can stand up. A sharp rise after an hour of lying on the sofa is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in his legs when he transfers his weight on them. The only thing that might bother you is a slight tingling sensation in the place on the leg through which the light guide has been inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, there is no need to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the use of compression stockings. The duration of use of such underwear and the degree of its compression should be discussed individually with the doctor. Thanks to compression stockings, swelling is eliminated and blood flow in the superficial veins is interrupted, their role is taken by the deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression garments are applied to the patient's legs directly in the operating room after the end of laser coagulation.
In the first 2 days following the surgery, the compression hosiery is left on the legs even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor, and removed at night. Considering that compression tights will warm the body, it is advisable to carry out the procedure during the cold season. This way you can avoid discomfort and the need to wear pantyhose on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that shouldn't be done with varicose veins and after surgery is to lift weights. During the first week, it is not recommended to visit the sauna and steam room in the bath. In the future, you can safely travel long distances, drive a car and carry out your usual activities.
General recommendations for all those who have encountered varicose veins on the legs are as follows:
- control body weight, as extra pounds are a load 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 - this narrows the blood vessels;
- one must quit smoking forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize the daily routine, supplementing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
Observing the listed recommendations, it is possible to prolong the effect of the operation for a long time.