A surgical operation to remove deformed veins in the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the circulatory system of vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicating, which, incidentally, connects the previous two.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through the deep veins, the subcutaneous route only 10%.
However, despite this, it is they that are affected by varicose veins and protrude above the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy consists of removing the affected veins. The first time it was held at the beginning of the 20th century.
Nowadays, different techniques allow to eliminate with the same efficiency the complete main vessels or only the small saphenous veins with knots formed in them.
Let's consider in which cases an operation for varicose veins on the legs is prescribed, what varieties exist, as well as the consequences and contraindications to its implementation.
Indications for leg surgery.
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any results 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 at the following points:
- severely neglected state of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the vessels, which causes systematic fatigue and pain in the extremities;
- 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 one is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must take into account the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient and the presence of complications. A 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 performed;
- Arrive at the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers various types of surgical intervention for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each has its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated:
- Miniphlebectomy. An operation that has special characteristics. The vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to a normal operation.
- Stripping of veins. 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 crease. The partial allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the full allows you to stretch the entire vessel by freezing it on the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are tied off. The lower limb is bound with an elastic bandage.
- Sclerosis of the veins. Minimally invasive treatment method. A sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to paste the lumen. Subsequently, a scar appears on this site, and the vein completely disappears. Today, the following types of this operation are known:
- ecosclerotherapy. 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. The 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 eliminate the disease without incisions or removal of blood vessels. The surgical intervention is performed using light that passes into the vein through a puncture, and by heating the tissues, it seals the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed using an endoscope under video control. It is inserted into the incision and the vessel is tied off. No complications appear, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive hands-on experience. Today it is a very popular type of surgery.
- radiofrequency ablation. Less traumatic way to remove varicose veins, which come from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which ascends along the vein to be removed. Then the apparatus is turned on and the container 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, not all patients are able to remove veins in varicose veins with the help of surgery.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes that occur in a 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 the inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or drainage;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and skin discoloration;
- Slight pain in the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative regimen.
Features of care after surgery
In order to save the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo special 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 your legs and hold them in this position for some time;
- Seam cleaning for the first time 6 months. It is carried out only with warm water. Soap the places by hand, without using hard cloths. 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 follow a diet and eat foods that help thin the blood and strengthen the walls of the blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, 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 in the legs, like other problems in the body, are better prevented than treated.