The purpose of the operation for varicose veins is to normalize the blood flow through the deep veins. Therefore, if an operation to remove varicose veins is indicated, you should not doubt its implementation, because the sooner it is performed, the faster blood flow will normalize, improve or cure other disorders and complications of 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: feeling of heaviness, swelling, increased fatigue of the legs, even without varicose veins;
- If there are trophic disorders of the skin 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 of 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 in 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 a vein removal operation is absolutely simple:
- Taking a shower;
- Shave the leg to be operated on completely;
- Before the operation, the skin of the legs must be healthy and free from pustular diseases;
- If the operation is planned to be performed under general anesthesia, mandatory cleansing enemas are prescribed on the eve of the operation;
- Come to the operation in loose-fitting shoes and clothing;
- If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor;
- During the operation, various medications can be used, and if you are intolerant or allergic to any medications, especially novocaine and substances containing iodine, 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 lasts between 1 and 2 hours. Removal of the saphenous veins does not interfere with normal blood flow and is safe for the body, because normally no more than 10% of the blood flows through the saphenous veins (that is, they are affected by varicose veins). 90% of venous blood is carried by the so-called deep connective veins in the legs. Therefore, by 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 malfunctioning venous valves are detected, an extravasal correction of the incompetent valves is performed to restore normal blood flow. After vein surgery, you need to follow some recommendations, the main of which is elastic compression.
After the operation, the patient is recommended to wear an elastic bandage or elastic stockings throughout the day for 1, 5-2 months. Also, to restore the function of the operated legs, venotonic drugs are prescribed.
However, these operations are still accompanied by a high risk of scarring. Recently, methods have been developed that allow plastic surgery to be performed on the valves of the great saphenous vein without removing 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 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 and extent of the operation. Therefore, after venous 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 8-10 cm significantly improves venous blood flow.
The day after the operation, for the treatment of varicose veins, a bandage with compression stockings or elastic bandage is performed on both legs from the tips of the toes to the knee joints. Walking is allowed only after dressing. In addition, after vein removal, physical therapy exercises and light massages are recommended to prevent thrombus formation.
7-10 days after the operation, you should not do aerobics, gymnastics or exercise bikes, as well as visit the sauna and bath. On day 8-9, the stitches are removed and a course of physical therapy 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 venous blood flow and postoperative thrombosis. Medications to prevent blood clots may also be prescribed.
The cosmetic effect after phlebectomy largely depends on the stage of the varicose veins, the peculiarities of the venous system itself, and the presence or absence of varicose vein complications. So 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 remain even after the operation, along with small scars at the incision sites.
The cosmetic effect of phlebectomy is highly dependent on the individual's predisposition to scar tissue formation. In some, even with severe skin damage, thin scars form. Others, even with very slight damage, have a predisposition to the formation of a thick keloid scar that protrudes from the surface of the skin.
Mini-phlebectomy (microflebectomy)
In recent years, the mini-phlebectomy (microflebectomy) method has become more and more widespread.
A mini-phlebectomy is the removal of veins through small holes in the skin. This procedure does not require major incisions like varicose vein surgery. Depending on the stage of the varicose veins, microflebectomy may not require general or hospital anesthesia. The miniphlebectomy procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal local anesthesia. The price of a mini-phlebectomy depends on the length of the problem vessel.
After removing varicose veins, bruises form on the legs. The bruises disappear on their own 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 consultation with a specialist, 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 in the legs in our clinic.