The aim of the operation for varicose veins is to normalize the blood flow in the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation for the removal of varicose veins is indicated, you should not hesitate with its implementation, since the earlier it is performed, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or heal other disorders and complications of the varicose veins. varicose veins.
Indications for the elimination of varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If varicose veins are accompanied by increased fatigue and swelling of the legs;
- If there are signs of a violation of the outflow of blood on the face - a feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic skin disorders that do not respond to conservative treatment (regardless of the presence or absence of varicose veins);
- Varicose veins are accompanied by trophic ulcers;
- Removal of varicose veins is also performed clinically for acute varicose vein thrombophlebitis.
Contraindications to phlebectomy
- At the late stage of varicose veins;
- With hypertension;
- With ischemic heart disease;
- With severe infectious processes;
- Advanced age of the patient;
- Inflammatory processes on the legs, eczema, pyoderma, erysipelas, etc.
- They do not perform operations for varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for an operation to remove a vein is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Completely shave the leg to be operated on;
- Before the operation, the skin of the legs must be healthy and free from any pustular disease;
- If the operation is planned under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed the day before the operation;
- Come to the operation with shoes and loose clothing;
- If you are taking any medication, be sure to talk to your doctor;
- During the operation various medicines can be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to certain medicines, especially novocaine and substances containing iodine, be sure to let your surgeon know.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the diseased veins are simply removed. This operation takes about 1 to 2 hours. The removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body, as no more than 10% of the blood circulates normally through the saphenous veins (that is, they are affectedby varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is transported by the deep veins and called conjunctiva of the legs. Therefore, when removing the veins under the skin, these vessels easily take the burden of blood circulation on themselves. After the operation, almost invisible scars remain, only 4-5 mm.
If defective venous valves are detected, extravasal correction of the incompetent valves is performed in order to restore normal blood flow. After venous surgery, you need to follow certain recommendations, the main of which is elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is recommended to use an elastic bandage or elastic stockings around the clock for 1. 5-2 months. In addition, to restore the function of the operated legs, venotonic drugs are prescribed.
However, such operations always come with a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed which allow plastic surgery to be performed on the valves of the long saphenous vein without excising the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but they remain very complicated and controlled by a small circle of specialists.
Rehabilitation
After the operation to remove the veins, the recommendations will be different for each patient - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins in the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, the general state of health, as well as the nature andthe scope of the operation. Therefore, after a venous procedure, listen carefully to your surgeon and follow his recommendations.
From the first hours after the operation, it is recommended to turn, bend the legs, etc. And simply raising the end of the bed 8-10cm dramatically improves venous blood flow.
The day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage is made using compression stockings or elastic bandages on both legs from the tip of the toes to the knee joints. Walking is permitted only after dressing. In addition, after the removal of the veins, physiotherapy exercises and light massages are recommended to prevent the formation of thrombi.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bike, as well as visit the sauna and the bath. On the 8-9th day, the stitches are removed and a course of physiotherapy exercises and water procedures is prescribed. Elastic compression is required for at least 2 months after the suture has loosened.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. It is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. Medicines may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself and the presence or absence of complications of varicose veins. Thus, in the early stages 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 even after the operation, as well as small scars at the incision sites.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy seriously depends on the individual's predisposition to the formation of scar tissue. In some, even with severe damage to the skin, thin scars form. Others, even with very minor damage, have a predisposition to the formation of a coarse keloid scar protruding above the surface of the skin.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the method of miniflebectomy (microflebectomy) has become increasingly popular.
A miniflebectomy is the removal of veins through tiny punctures of the skin. This procedure does not require major incisions like varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of varicose veins, microflebectomy may not require hospitalization or general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal local anesthesia. The price of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the problematic vessel.
After removing varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises go away on their own after 2-3 weeks, and after 1-2 months there are hardly any traces of varicose veins and the operation remains.
If you need a specialized consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call by phone and specify the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins of the legs in our clinic.