The purpose of the operation for varicose veins is to normalize blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation to remove varicose veins is indicated, you should not hesitate with its implementation, because the earlier it is carried out, the faster the blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other disorders and complications of varicose veins.
Indications for the removal of varicose veins
- With extensive varicose veins;
- If the saphenous veins are pathologically dilated;
- If the varicose veins are accompanied by increased leg fatigue and swelling;
- 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 carried out in the clinic for acute thrombophlebitis of varicose veins.
Contraindications for phlebectomy
- In 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 carry out operations for varicose veins and in the second half of pregnancy.
Recommendations before phlebectomy
Preparing for a vein removal operation is absolutely simple:
- Take a shower;
- Completely shave off the leg to be operated on;
- Before the operation, the skin of the legs must be healthy and free of any pustular diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, obligatory cleansing enemas are prescribed on the eve of the operation;
- Come to the operation in loose shoes and clothes;
- If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor about it;
- During the operation, various medications can be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially novocaine and iodine-containing substances, be sure to inform your surgeon about this.
Phlebectomy procedure
In the surgical treatment of varicose veins, the diseased veins are simply removed. This operation takes about 1-2 hours. Removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body, because no more than 10% of blood normally flows through the saphenous veins (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 removing 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 malfunctioning vein valves are detected, extravasal correction of the incompetent valves is performed in order to restore the normal outflow of blood. After vein surgery, you need to follow some 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, venotonic drugs are prescribed to restore the function of the operated legs.
However, such operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that make it possible to perform plastic surgery on the valves of the great saphenous vein without excision of the veins. These operations for varicose veins are very effective, but they are still very complicated and are mastered by a small circle of specialists.
Rehabilitation
After the vein removal operation, the recommendations will differ for each patient - it all depends on the degree of varicose veins in the patient, the presence of chronic diseases, general health, as well as the nature and scope of the operation. Therefore, after a vein intervention, 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 by 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
The day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage is performed using compression hosiery or elastic bandage on both legs from the tips of the toes to the knee joints. It is allowed to walk only after dressing. Also, after the removal of veins, physiotherapy exercises and light massage are recommended as prevention of thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bicycles, as well as visit the sauna and 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 suture release.
Exercises for varicose veins are especially important for the elderly. This is an ideal prevention of postoperative complications - slowing down the venous outflow of blood and postoperative thrombosis. It is possible that drugs will 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. So, in the initial 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 remain even after the operation, along with 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 serious 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 more and more widespread.
A miniflebectomy is the removal of veins through tiny skin punctures. This procedure does not require major incisions, as for varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of varicose veins, microflebectomy may not require a hospital or general anesthesia. The miniflebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with a minimum of local anesthesia. The price of a miniflebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises themselves disappear after 2-3 weeks, and after 1-2 months there are practically no traces of varicose veins and the operation remains.
If you need a specialist consultation, make an appointment with a phlebologist at the medical center! Call us by phone and specify the details of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs in our clinic.