The goal of varicose vein surgery is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation to remove varicose veins is indicated, do not hesitate to perform it, because the sooner it is performed, the faster the blood flow will return to normal, and other abnormalities and complications of the vein will improve or heal.
Indications for vein removal
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are abnormally 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 - feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased tiredness in the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If you have trophic skin conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence or absence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- Varicose vein removal is also performed at the clinic for acute thrombophlebitis of the varicose veins.
Contraindications to phlebectomy
- In the late stages of varicose veins;
- With hypertension;
- In ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infectious processes;
- The patient's advanced age;
- Inflammatory processes in the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not have varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vein removal operation is completely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Shave the leg you want to operate completely;
- Prior to surgery, the skin of the legs should be healthy and free of pustular diseases;
- If the operation is to be performed under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed on the eve of surgery;
- Come to the operation in loose shoes and clothes;
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines;
- Various medications can be used during surgery, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially novocaine and iodine-containing substances, be sure to tell your surgeon.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the patient’s 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 saphenous veins usually carry up to 10% of blood (namely, they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is carried by the deep and so-called connective veins of the legs. Therefore, when the veins are removed under the skin, these blood vessels easily take on the burden of blood circulation. After surgery, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If malfunctioning venous valves are detected, extravascular correction of incompetent valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After venous surgery, you should follow some recommendations, the most important of which is flexible compression.
After surgery, the patient is recommended to use elastic bandages or elastic stockings day and night for 1, 5-2 months. In addition, venotonic medications are prescribed to restore the function of the operated legs.
However, such operations still carry a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that allow plastic surgery of the valves of the large saphenous vein without excision of the veins. These varicose vein surgeries are very effective, but they are still very complicated and are mastered by a small number of professionals.
Rehabilitation
After vein removal surgery, recommendations will vary from patient to patient, depending on the patient's varicose veins, the presence of chronic disease, general health, and the nature and extent of the surgery. Therefore, after a venous procedure, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his recommendations.
From the first hours after surgery, it is recommended to turn, bend, etc. the legs. Simply raising the end of the bed by 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
On the day after surgery, compression stockings or elastic bandages are used to treat varicose veins on both feet, from the tips of the toes to the knee joints. You should only walk after getting dressed. In addition, after removal of the veins, physiotherapy exercises and a light massage are recommended to prevent thrombus formation.
You should not do aerobics, exercise or exercise bikes, as well as visit the sauna and spa 7-10 days after the operation. A 8. -9. During the day, the stitches are removed and physiotherapy exercises and water procedures are prescribed. Flexible compaction is required for at least 2 months after the seam is released.
Varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - it slows down the venous outflow of blood and postoperative thrombosis. Medicines may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy is highly dependent on the stage of the varicose vein, the characteristics of the venous system, and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. Thus, in the initial stage 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 persist after surgery, along with small scars at the incision site.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy is highly dependent on an individual’s tendency to develop scar tissue. In some, even with severe skin damage, thin scars form. Others, even with very minor lesions, tend to develop a rough keloid scar that protrudes above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniflebectomy (microflebectomy) has become more widespread.
A miniflebectomy is the removal of veins with small skin punctures. This procedure does not require major incisions, such as varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose vein, microblebectomy does not require either hospital or general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal local anesthesia. The cost of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After the varicose vein is removed, bruises form on the legs. The bruises go away on their own after 2-3 weeks, there are virtually no traces of varicose veins after 1-2 months, and the surgery persists.
If you need a specialist consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center. Call us and give us the details of treating varicose veins on your legs at our clinic.