A surgical operation to remove the deformed veins of the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicant, which, by the way, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of the total blood flow occurs through the deep veins, the subcutaneous ones carry out only 10%.
However, despite this, it is they who are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is to eliminate the affected veins. The first time it was held at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, different techniques make it possible to equally effectively remove the entire main vessels or just small saphenous veins with knots formed on them.
Let us consider in what cases an operation is prescribed for varicose veins in the legs, what varieties there are, as well as the consequences and contraindications to its implementation.
Indications for leg surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any result 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 trip to the doctor as much as possible and thus only exacerbate the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory in the following points:
- severely neglected state 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 surgical intervention, since each is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the patient's well-being 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;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each has its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated on:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has special features. Vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to a regular operation.
- Stripping veins. A type of surgical operation during which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all its tributaries. The incision is usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial one allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the total one allows you to stretch the whole vessel by freezing it to the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are tied up. The lower limb is pulled together 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 lumen. Later, a scar appears on this site and the vein disappears completely. 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-form" method. 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 remove the disease without incisions and removal of blood vessels. Surgical intervention is performed using light that passes into the vein through a puncture, and by heating the tissues, seals the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not appear.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed using an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied up. Complications do not appear, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radiofrequency ablation. A less traumatic way to remove varicose veins that came from cardiac surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which moves up the length of the vein that is about to be removed. Then the apparatus is turned on and the vessel is glued with the help of 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 can not be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary disease;
- infectious processes that take place in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical intervention, leg surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after a while.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of the skin nerves;
- numbness of the ankle or inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and skin discoloration;
- slight soreness of the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative regimen.
Features of care after surgery
To save the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo a special course of treatment, which is selected taking into account the state 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 need to move. It is enough to do special exercises: bend and unbend the legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is recommended to put on an elastic bandage and to maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, raise the legs up and hold for some time in this position;
- Cleaning the seams for the first time 6 months. carried out only with warm water. Lather the places with your hand, without using hard washcloths. It is important to remember that scars are formed 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 stick to 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, the surgical treatment of dilated veins is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and try to see a doctor after the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins on the legs, like other problems with the body, are better to prevent than to treat.