Surgery to remove deformed veins in the lower extremities is called phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of blood vessels consists of three parts: a superficial, a deep and a communicating part, which otherwise connects the two previous ones.
The maximum rate of complete blood flow is through the deep veins, with subcutaneous flow being only 10%.
Nevertheless, they are affected by varicose veins and rise above the surface of the skin.
The goal of a phlebectomy is to remove the affected veins. It was first held in the early 20th century.
Nowadays, various techniques allow the removal of entire main vessels or only small saphenous veins with nodules formed on them.
Let’s look at the cases in which surgery is prescribed for varicose veins of the legs, what types there are, and what the consequences and contraindications are for the implementation.
Indications for foot surgery
There are cases where medication does not work in the fight against varicose veins, in which case surgery is the only way out of this situation. Fear of surgery results in the fact that patients try to delay the journey to the doctor as much as possible and thus only aggravate the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory at the following points:
- severely neglected condition of varicose veins;
- significant growth of subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the blood vessels, leading to systematic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with difficult-to-heal wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgery, as each is suitable for each case. Before making a choice, the physician should consider the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient, and the presence of complications. Good performance requires some preparation. It is important that you pass all the necessary tests.
It is important to perform the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- if necessary, shave the leg on which the surgery will be;
- come to the hospital before the scheduled time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for the treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Consider how varicose veins are treated:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has special properties. The blood vessels are removed by puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is like a normal surgery.
- Removal of veins. A type of surgery in which the large saphenous vein is removed along with all its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial allows a portion of the vessel to be removed, and the complete allows the entire vessel to be stretched by freezing it to the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed are occluded. The lower limb is tightened with an elastic bandage.
- Venous sclerosis. Minimally invasive treatment method. A sclerosing agent is injected into the deformed blood vessels. Its job is to glue the lumen. Later, a scar appears at this point and the vein disappears completely. The following types of this operation are known today:
- echosclerotherapy. 1 cm diameter deep vessels are treated The drug is administered under the control of a scanner. One injection of sclerozant with a needle;
- "foam form" method. The healing substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any inconvenience.
- Laser coagulation of veins. The new technology allows the disease to be removed without removing incisions and blood vessels. Surgery is performed by injecting light into the vein and sealing the affected areas by heating the tissues. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed using an endoscope with video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied. Complications do not occur, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing the procedure has extensive practical experience. It is a very popular form of surgery today.
- radiofrequency ablation. A less traumatic method of removing varicose veins that resulted from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During surgery, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which moves along the length of the vein to be removed. The appliance is then switched on and the dish is glued with electricity. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but in contrast does not require the introduction of special agents.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, not all patients can perform surgical removal of varicose veins.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of high blood pressure or coronary artery disease;
- infectious processes that take place in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical procedure, foot surgery can have consequences that occur immediately or over time.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of the nerves in the skin;
- numbness of the inner surface of the ankle or leg;
- bleeding or purulence;
- appearance of new deformed blood vessels;
- bruises and discoloration of the skin;
- mild pain in the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to follow the postoperative treatment regimen.
Characteristics of postoperative care
To save results, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations and go through a special treatment process that is selected based on your body condition, the incidence of varicose veins, and the type of surgery.
The care includes:
- Maintaining bed rest on the first day is important. You still have to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and bend your legs and turn to the side;
- It is recommended that you put on an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of your heart and blood vessels, lift your legs and hold them in this position for a while;
- The sutures are cleaned for the first time in 6 months. only with warm water. Foam the areas by hand without using a hard cloth. It is important to note that scars form over a long period of 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 follow a diet and eat foods that help dilute the blood and strengthen the walls of your blood vessels.
As can be seen from the above, surgical treatment of varicose veins is quite popular today. However, it is important that you do not start the disease and try to see a doctor after the first symptoms appear. Keep in mind that varicose veins on the legs, like other body problems, are better prevented than treated.