A surgical operation to remove deformed veins from the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of the vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicating, which, by the way, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs in the deep veins, subcutaneous conduct only 10%.
However, despite this, it is they who are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy involves removing the affected veins. The first time it took place at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, different techniques make it possible to remove with the same efficiency all the main vessels or only the small saphenous veins on which knots have formed.
Let's consider in what cases an operation is prescribed for varicose veins in the legs, what are the varieties, as well as the consequences and contraindications to its implementation.
Indications for leg surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not bring 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 visit to the doctor as much as possible, and therefore only aggravate the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following points:
- severely neglected condition of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the vessels, leading 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 is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor should take into account the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient and the presence of complications. Good performance requires some preparation. It is important to pass all the 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 be carried out;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Consider how varicose veins are operated:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has particularities. The vessels are removed by a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to normal operation.
- Stripping of veins. A type of surgery in which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all of its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal crease. The partial allows you to remove part of the ship, and the full allows you to stretch the entire ship by freezing it to the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are tied off. The lower limb is pulled with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive method of treatment. A sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to glue the light. Later, a scar appears on this site and the vein completely disappears. Today, the following types of this operation are known:
- echosclerotherapy. Deep vessels with a diameter of 1 cm are treated. The drug is administered under the control of a scanner. A sclerosant is injected with a needle;
- foam method. The medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of veins. The new technology makes it possible to eliminate the disease without incisions or removal of blood vessels. The surgical intervention is carried out with the help of light which passes into the vein through a puncture and, by heating the tissues, seals the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed using an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied off. Complications do not appear, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive hands-on experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radiofrequency ablation. Less traumatic way to remove varicose veins, which originated from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which goes up along the vein that is about to be removed. Then the device is turned on and the vessel is glued using the current. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it, 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 performed 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 that proceed in a severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgery, leg surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after some time.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of skin nerves;
- numbness in the ankle or the inside of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and skin discoloration;
- slight pain in the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative diet.
Features of care after surgery
To save the results, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and undergo special treatment, which is selected taking into account the condition 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 unbending the legs, as well as turning to the side;
- It is recommended to put on an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, raise the legs and hold for some time in this position;
- Seam cleaning for the first time 6 months. performed only with lukewarm water. Lather the spots with your hand, without using harsh washcloths. It is important to remember that scars form 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 follow a diet and eat foods that help thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, surgical treatment of dilated veins is very popular today. However, it is important not to trigger the disease and try to consult a doctor after the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins on the legs, like other problems with the body, are better prevented than treated.