Treatment of varicose veins.Classic phlebectomy, laser treatment.What should I choose?

Drug treatment for varicose veins on the legs is not always effective.Healing varicose veins is particularly difficult when they are in an advanced stage.In this case, surgery is the only way to eliminate the disease. Classic phlebectomy, mini-phlebectomy, sclerotherapy and laser vein removal are effective methods of solving the problem of varicose veins.However, not all women who suffer from varicose veins immediately choose one of them.Fear of the surgeon and the operating room, fear of general anesthesia and complications prevent patients from going to the doctor for a long time and relying on some home treatment methods.Meanwhile, varicose veins progress and the condition worsens.

Will varicose veins “pop out” again?Do I have to hide unsightly stitches after surgery?Do you really need to wear a special jersey for a whole year after surgery?These and other questions torment women and remain unanswered, and such an operation, necessary for the health of the legs, is postponed for months, often even years.However, today not only classic phlebectomy is performed, which is a full-fledged surgical procedure (with general anesthesia, a long recovery period and return to normal life), but also mini-operations on the veins, which are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and after which even a long period of sick leave is not required.

Choosing a treatment method for varicose veins

Any of the listed operations, be it classic phlebectomy, mini-phlebectomy, laser or sclerotherapy, is prescribed by the doctor taking into account the stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities and the patient's condition.You cannot choose the method of removing varicose veins yourself;it is determined by the doctor after the examination:

• Duplex scanning of vessels (veins) of the lower extremities is universal and informative.
• X-ray contrast venography and computed tomography methods are rarely used in complex diagnostic cases.

Features of surgical methods for the treatment of varicose veins

Different types of surgeries are commonly practiced in inpatient and outpatient settings.Each method has its own indications and contraindications, advantages and disadvantages.

Classic vein removal operation

Very often the treating doctor decides classic phlebectomy.

The operation is performed under anesthesia (general or spinal anesthesia).During the operation, the great saphenous vein and varicose veins are removed.After the operation, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days and then at home for several weeks.Stitching will be done on the 7th-10th.removed day after surgery;The healing time varies individually.

Advantage classic phlebectomy is highly effective in treating moderate and severe varicose veins.The technique has been used for many decades, has proven successful and has enabled millions of patients to maintain healthy legs.

The disadvantages include a long recovery period, a deterioration in general well-being after the operation and the inability to immediately return to normal everyday life (work, driving, long walks), as well as an insufficient cosmetic effect that lasts for several months.

Mini phlebectomy

In contrast to classic surgery, mini-phlebectomy involves removalindividual superficially affected veins through several small cuts or punctures.The surgeon uses small special instruments (hooks, mini-scalpels).The procedure is carried out at different stages of the disease and can be combined with other methods (laser removal, sclerotherapy).

Advantages of the method:

• outpatient surgery, several hours after the procedure under medical supervision,
• local anesthesia,
• quick healing of punctures and micro-cuts, no stitches,
• the ability to immediately return to the usual routine, as well as an excellent cosmetic effect.

After the operation, some complications are possible – hematomas in the area of incisions and punctures, discoloration of the skin in the area of the operated veins, but in general these risks are minimal.

Laser removal

Laser removal of varicose veins (endovasal laser coagulation of veins) is an innovative method that is widely used and highly effective.

During an intravascular (endovasal) operation, a small incision or puncture is made in the skin: Under ultrasound guidance, a long light guide is inserted through a catheter into a vein.Through them, a laser beam acts on the vein walls and “glues” them together.

The advantage of this method The operation is carried out on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Laser removal of varicose veins can be combined with mini-phlebectomy and sclerotherapy, providing an excellent cosmetic effect, which is very important for women of all ages.The catheter insertion site is closed with a special plaster, which is removed after 8-10 days;No stitches are required.After the operation, you can live at your usual pace with almost no restrictions.

Compared to classic phlebectomy Laser vein removal for varicose veins are considered less traumatic and safe.

However, it should be noted that the method is not considered universal for the treatment of patients with varicose veins (like any other).As with classic vein removal, carrying out such an operation is possible only after a complete examination of the patient, taking into account all the peculiarities of the course of the disease.

Choosing a clinic for the treatment of varicose veins and surgery

Conservative and surgical treatments for varicose veins are now carried out in many public and private medical centers.The clinic to which you entrust your health should have a reputable reputation and have experienced doctors who are familiar with various methods of vein surgery.

Classic phlebectomy, mini-phlebectomy, sclerotherapy (in various variants), etc. are performed in state-of-the-art operating rooms.It is important that the doctor's choice of method is always strictly justified by the clinical picture and discussed with the patient, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods, risks of consequences and possible complications are explained.For example in Clinic for the treatment of varicose veins It is not always advisable to use minimally invasive (“simple”) techniques.Contraindications to it: severe varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, blood clotting disorders and others.In this case, a combined operation is performed to achieve a good result.

For doctors Clinics for the treatment of varicose veins, the results of therapy and the condition of the patients are very important - both in the early and late postoperative phase.For this reason, the surgeons are always in touch and ready to answer any questions of interest to patients undergoing surgery.

Consultation with a phlebologist

Despite the choice of surgical techniques for removing varicose veins and the possibility of minor outpatient procedures, any operation requires a rehabilitation period and careful attention to one's health.That is why you must do everything from the first appointment to the end of medical observation after the operation Recommendations of a phlebologist:

• First of all, wearing a medical jersey.Immediately after the operation, after phlebectomy, special underwear is worn.In the first two days, it is generally recommended to wear knitwear around the clock.Then wear daily for 3-6 weeks (depending on doctor's instructions);
• after endovascular procedures (laser therapy) that are not combined with other methods, compression therapy is not required;In the case of a combined operation, wearing is required for one to two months.For the first two days, the knitwear is left overnight.
• other Recommendations of a phlebologist refer to physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, control of excess weight and changes in working conditions when the legs are subjected to prolonged static loads.You need to walk for 40-60 minutes every day.You can supplement your daily walks with special exercises to strengthen your veins and blood vessels.For the first two months after surgery, perform all physical exercises with compression stockings.Remove squats and weight lifting (dumbbells, barbells) from the complex.Also, do not put too much strain on your lower abdomen.

In general, cooperation between doctor and patient is the most important prerequisite for the successful correction of varicose veins.If you trust your doctor, follow all his recommendations and then follow the rules of prevention, you will help maintain the health and beauty of your feet.