Varicose veins on the legs is a common pathology that occurs in people of different sexes and ages, regardless of the country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of the dilated veins of the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure boils down to the introduction of a special light guide into the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick together, and the blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classical removal of veins (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removing only part of the diseased vein (microflebectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Considering the listed disadvantages, which the laser lacks, it is the laser treatment of varicose veins that is rightfully called the best option from the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for more than 10 years, and during this time, laser coagulation did not cause any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or take out a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and small saphenous veins. Moreover, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly even, without sharp bends. The branches of the veins should be either healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial stage of varicose veins, when the severity is small, and this applies only to superficial veins. As for the veins dilated by more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will unstick again and all treatment will go to waste.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative impact on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in case of significant damage to blood vessels and for deep veins, the laser is not effective. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the cases listed above, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it can harm the patient. There are enough contraindications, and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relative ones include those contraindications that only at this time do not allow the operation to be performed. It can be burns and inflammations on the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem, and then proceed with the removal of veins with a laser. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered relative contraindications, since during this period the body is weakened, and the load on the legs is great. Due to the congestion of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed in obese people - complications are likely.
The absolute ones include those contraindications, due to which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following states:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- disturbed flow of lymph and blood in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and a tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications relate to the lifestyle of people - if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), then the vessel may become inflamed, and the treatment will be ineffective.
How is the procedure performed
Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with a laser is carried out on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not needed, since the area of influence is very small, and the process takes place inside the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on the recommendation of a doctor if there is a fear of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- a small incision is made on the skin of the leg through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This fixture will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is pushed out of the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the walls of the vessel stick together, the blood no longer circulates here.
Typically, laser treatment takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged veins are sealed, blood is directed through deep veins that are located inside the muscles. After such a procedure, there are no scars and hematomas.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser varicose veins removal has many advantages. Everyone should know about the main advantages:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, since the procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis, on the same day you can go home;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, since the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture on the skin, which will subsequently heal without scars and scars;
- modern laser equipment scatters radiation well, which allows high-quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of hemorrhage and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove veins on both legs;
- the rehabilitation period is very quick and painless. An hour after the procedure, you can go home, and after a couple of days - live the same life.
Considering the listed advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins using laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. After it, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scars and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Any medical manipulation has, in addition to advantages and disadvantages. When removing veins in the legs, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. More precisely, before the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- a severe stage of varicose veins is not treated with a laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with a surgical operation, and one cannot do without incisions and marks on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression hosiery for a week (at least) after the operation, which not everyone likes;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high prices for laser procedures.
After weighing the named advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how best to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser coagulation of veins. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not required, as is bed rest. The same can be said about taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and legs that are tightly bandaged, like those of a mummy - the modern procedure is completely free from these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to gradually rise. First you need to sit on the couch for a while in order to normalize your condition, after which you can get up on your feet. A sharp rise after an hour of lying on the couch is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when transferring his weight to them. The only thing that may bother you is a slight tingling sensation in the place on the leg through which the light guide was inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, then you do not need to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the wearing of compression hosiery. The duration of wearing such underwear and the degree of its compression should be discussed with the doctor individually. Thanks to compression hosiery, puffiness is eliminated and blood flow through the superficial veins is stopped, their role is taken over by deep blood vessels. The compression garments purchased in advance are put on the patient's legs directly in the operating room after the end of the laser coagulation.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, the compression hosiery is left on the legs even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor, and removed at night. Considering that compression tights will heat up the body, it is advisable to do the procedure during the cold season. This way you can avoid discomfort and the need to wear tights on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that should not be done with varicose veins and after surgery is to lift weights. During the first week, it is undesirable to visit the sauna and steam room in the bath. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive a car and do your usual activities.
General recommendations for everyone who has encountered varicose veins on the legs are as follows:
- control body weight, since extra pounds is a load on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If the professional activity is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, you need to take breaks and warm up from time to time;
- you cannot sit with your legs crossed - this constricts the blood vessels;
- smoking must be quit forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize the daily routine, supplementing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
Observing the listed recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a long period.