A surgery to remove the deformed veins in the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of the vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicative, which, by the way, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through the deep veins, the subcutaneous pipeline only 10%.
However, despite this, it is they who are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy consists of eliminating the affected veins. The first time was held in the early 20th century.
Today, different techniques make it possible to remove with the same effectiveness the entire main vessels or only the small saphenous veins with the nodes formed on them.
Let's consider in what cases an operation is prescribed for varicose veins in the legs, what varieties there are, as well as the consequences and contraindications to its implementation.
Indications for leg surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any results in the fight against varicose veins, in this case, surgery is the only way out of this situation. Fear of surgical intervention leads to the fact that patients try to delay the trip to the doctor as much as possible, and thus only exacerbate the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following points:
- severely neglected state of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in the subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the vessels, which leads to systematic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with hard-healing wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgery, as each one is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the patient's well-being and the presence of complications. A good performance requires some preparation. It is important to pass all necessary tests.
It is important to carry out the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- if necessary, shave the leg on which the operation will take place;
- come to the hospital before the scheduled time.
Today, medicine offers different types of surgery for varicose veins of the lower limbs, each one has its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated:
- Miniflebectomy. An operation that has special characteristics. Vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to a normal operation.
- Stripping the veins. Type of surgery during which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial one allows you to remove part of the vessel and the total one allows you to lengthen the entire vessel by freezing it to the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are ligated. The lower limb is joined with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive treatment method. A sclerosing agent is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to glue the lamp. Subsequently, a scar appears on this site, and the vein completely disappears. Today, the following types of this operation are known:
- ecosclerotherapy. Deep vessels with a diameter of 1 cm are treated. The drug is administered under the control of a scanner. A sclerosing agent is injected with a needle;
- "foam-shaped" method. The medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of the veins. The new technology allows you to remove the disease without incisions and removal of blood vessels. The surgery is performed using light that passes into the vein through a puncture and, by heating the tissues, seals the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic venous dissection. This is done using a video-controlled endoscope. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied up. Complications do not appear, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radiofrequency ablation. Less traumatic way to remove varicose veins, which came from heart surgery. It is used in conjunction with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which goes up the length of the vein that is about to be removed. Then the apparatus is turned on and the ship is glued with the help of current. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike sclerotherapy, it does not require the introduction of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, the removal of veins in varicose veins with the help of surgery cannot be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes occurring in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgery, leg surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after a while.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of the skin nerves;
- numbness in the ankle or inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and discoloration of the skin;
- slight soreness of the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative regime.
Features of care after surgery
To save the results, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and undergo a special course of treatment, selected taking into account the state of the body, the prevalence of varicose veins and the type of surgical intervention.
Care includes the following:
- On the first day it is important to observe bed rest. However, you still have to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bending and straightening the legs, as well as turning to the side;
- It is advisable to wear an elastic bandage and to maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, raise the legs and hold for some time in this position;
- Cleaning the seams for the first time 6 months. carried out only with lukewarm water. Soap the places with your hand, without using hard wipes. It is important to remember that scars are formed for a long time and cannot be loaded;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear around the clock for 1 month. Then they take it off at night and do it for another 2 months;
- It is important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help thin the blood and strengthen the walls of the blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, surgical treatment of dilated veins is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and to try to consult a doctor after the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins on the legs, like other problems in the body, are better safe than sorry.