Varicose veins in the legs

Description of treatment for varicose veins in the legs

The procedure involves the removal or treatment of varicose veins, which are located under the skin in the legs.

There are various methods for removing veins:

• Chemical ablation (It called sclerotherapy);
• Radiofrequency (using heat energy) or laser ablation;
• Surgical removal of the veins;
• Removing the large veins (so-called phlebectomy).

The reasons for the treatment of varicose veins

Veins have one-way valves, allowing you to send the blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop, When these valves are damaged. This leads to a stagnation of blood in the veins, increases their size and veins are often visible just under the skin in the form of bulging mounds. The skin can also purchase dark purple or brown because of increased pressure.

Treatment may be carried out in cosmetic and medical purposes. In some cases, the affected areas of the skin may be formed to open wounds (the so-called trophic ulcers). The containers may be formed clots (blood clots). When the vein valves are functioning poorly, foot may hurt, throb or it feels the heat.

Treatment may include closing or removing the damaged veins.

Possible complications of treatment for varicose veins in the legs

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to treat varicose veins, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Recurrence of varicose veins;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Discoloration of the skin at the surgical site (normally extends over several weeks);
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking.

How is the treatment of varicose veins?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor may be imposed or carried out following:

• Assessment of location of deep and superficial veins and decision, veins which must be removed;
• Ultrasonic test, which uses sound waves to study the veins in the legs.

In the run-up procedure:

• Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery, perhaps, you need to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin;
• Wear special support stockings;
• If you have an ulcer, you need to use a bandage DNA (zinc gelatin bandage), which helps in the treatment of disease.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia depends on the type of procedure being performed:

• Sclerotherapy – It may be carried out without anesthesia;
• Radiofrequency, laser ablation, or surgery:
  • General anesthesia – blocks pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation;
  • Эpiduralynaya anesthesia – It relieves your body below the chest. Provided in the form of injections in the back;
• Surgical removal of the veins – general or epidural anesthesia.

Description of the methods of treatment of varicose veins

Skleroziruyushtaya therapy

In carrying out this procedure, the doctor will inject a chemical into each damaged vein. This chemical “glues” veins, and thus closes the blood flow in the injured vein. This short, a simple procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis.

Radiofrequency and laser ablation

The procedure is performed on one of the major superficial veins, It called great saphenous Vienna. The doctor examines the vein using ultrasound and it performs a puncture near the knee. In the vein to the groin catheter. In the space between the vein and skin injected a local anesthetic. Then the catheter is connected to a radio frequency generator or a laser. Exposure to heat or light energy closes the blood flow in the vein.

Removal of veins

The physician removes the vein using a long wire (extractor). Struck Vienna will be attached to this wire, and then extracted. This procedure is not usually used for the treatment of varicose veins in the leg saphenous vein.

Phlebectomy

The operation is used to remove large veins, which can not be extracted. The doctor makes a lot of small incisions in the area of ​​varicose veins. Struck Vienna will be connected or removed.

After the treatment of varicose veins

If the doctor spends vein removal, the foot is a lot of loose ends veins. To avoid bleeding, They will be tightly bandaged foot.

How long will the treatment of varicose veins?

• Sclerotherapy – short hospital visit;
• Radiofrequency and laser ablation – 1 time;
• Removal of veins – 1- 1,5 hours;
• Phlebectomy – 2-4 o'clock.

Varicose veins in the legs – Will it hurt?

After the procedure, can feel pain and discomfort. Removing the veins is more painful. The doctor will give pain medicine for pain relief.

Care after treatment for varicose veins in the legs

After returning home, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• If performed vein removal, Keep your feet in a raised position. This helps to minimize the pressure on the veins;
• If carried out sclerotherapy or ablation, normal activities can return for several hours after the procedure;
• Wear an elastic bandage for the first 24-48 hours after surgery, or as directed by a doctor.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Maybe, after surgery need to perform ultrasound.

Contact your doctor after treatment for varicose veins in the legs

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, if there was any of the following symptoms of:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Swelling of the legs.