Varicose veins in 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 enlarged veins in the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method: laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure is reduced to the introduction of a special light guide into the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick and the blood flow will be directed through the healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classic vein removal (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 out of 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 pay the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or apply for a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation.
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and small saphenous veins. Also, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be mostly uniform, without sharp bends. The branches of the veins must be healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the early stage of varicose veins, when gravity is small, and this applies only to superficial veins. As for veins dilated more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will detach again and the whole treatment will be wasted.
The laser acts on a small area, eliminating the negative impact on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in case of significant damage to the blood vessels and 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 may 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. They 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 the 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 congestion of the veins in the lower extremities, the operation is not performed in obese people; complications are likely.
Absolutes include those contraindications, for which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following statuses:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- disturbed flow of lymph and blood in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle: if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), the vessel may become inflamed and treatment will be ineffective.
How is the procedure performed?
Treatment of varicose veins in the legs with laser is done on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia is not required, since the area of influence is very small and the process takes place within the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on the recommendation of a doctor if you are afraid of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- A small incision is made in the skin of the leg through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood comes 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. Once the damaged veins are sealed, the blood is directed through the deep veins found within the muscles. After such a procedure, there are no scars or bruises.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages. Everyone should know the main advantages:
- it is not necessary to go to the hospital, since the procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis, 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 in the skin, which will later heal without scars or scars;
- Modern laser equipment disperses radiation well, allowing high-quality treatment within the container. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove the 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 is clear why treatment of varicose veins by laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. Subsequently, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scarring and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Any medical manipulation has, in addition to its advantages and disadvantages. By removing veins from the legs, laser treatment is also not always clear. 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 laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with a surgical operation, and you cannot do without incisions and marks on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after the operation, which is not liked by everyone;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high prices of laser procedures.
After weighing the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor what is the best way to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Rehabilitation
There are no special measures to restore health after laser vein coagulation. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not required, as is bed rest. The same can be said about taking antibiotics, physical therapy procedures, and tightly bandaged legs, like a mummy's; the modern procedure is completely free of these deficiencies.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to get up gradually. He must first sit on the couch for a while to normalize his condition, after which he can get up. A sharp rise after an hour of lying on the couch is not recommended as it can lead to 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 where the light guide was inserted on your leg. Since there is no pain syndrome, it is not necessary to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the use of compression stockings. The duration of wearing such underwear and the degree of compression should be discussed with the doctor individually. Thanks to compression stockings, swelling is eliminated and blood flow through superficial veins is stopped, their function is taken over by deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression garments are placed on the patient's legs directly in the operating room after laser coagulation is complete.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, compression stockings are left on the legs even at night, then they are worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and removed at night. Considering that compression stockings will warm the body, it is advisable to perform the procedure during the cold season. In this way you will avoid the 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 lifting weights. During the first week, it is undesirable to visit the sauna and steam room in the bathroom. In the future, you will be able to 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 are a burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- Avoid static poses. If your professional activity involves sitting or standing for a long time, you should take breaks and warm up from time to time;
- you cannot sit cross-legged, this constricts the blood vessels;
- you must stop smoking forever;
- shoes must be comfortable, women's heels, up to 5 cm high;
- Normalize the daily routine, completing it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
Observing the listed recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a long period.