Varicose veins in the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of the country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of dilated lower extremity veins was surgery. But today doctors provide a painless and effective method-laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure comes down to introducing a special light guide into the blood vessel, the damaged blood vessel will stick together under its influence, and the blood flow will be guided through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- The classic phlebectomy (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, and there is a risk of infection complications;
- Removal of only part of the diseased veins (venomectomy) will leave scars on the skin;
- In some cases, sclerotherapy can cause allergies.
Taking into account the shortcomings of the lack of lasers listed, the laser treatment of varicose veins is of course known as the best option for existing treatments. Doctors have practiced this method for more than 10 years. During this period, laser coagulation did not cause any discomfort. Not everyone can afford this price, but if we consider the effectiveness of the procedure, it is likely to accumulate the required amount or loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
This procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated saphenous veins and small saphenous veins. In addition, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the vein itself should be mostly uniform without sharp bends. The branches of the veins should be healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the early stages of varicose veins, and when the severity is small, it is only suitable for superficial veins. As for veins that have expanded more than 1 cm, they can also be "bonded" with lasers, but there is a risk that the blood vessels will be detached again in the future, and all treatments will be wasted.
The laser acts on a small area, eliminating the negative impact on neighboring tissues. Therefore, if it causes serious damage to blood vessels and deep veins, the laser is ineffective. In this case, please choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications of laser treatment
In addition to the conditions listed above, when the technique is ineffective, intravascular laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it may harm the patient. There are enough contraindications, all divided into relative and absolute.
The opposite includes those contraindications that do not allow surgery only at this time. It may be burns and inflammation on the skin, exacerbating chronic conditions. It is necessary to cure the current problem and then continue to remove the vein with the laser. If you do the opposite, the risk of complications is high. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered to be relatively contraindications, because during this period the body is weak and the legs are burdened. Obese people do not undergo surgery due to venous congestion in the lower extremities-complications may occur.
Absolutely include those contraindications, because of these contraindications, a person is forbidden to perform laser removal. These are the following states:
- Damaged blood vessel wall;
- Obstruction of lymph and blood flow in the legs;
- Thrombophlebitis and thrombosis tendency.
In the context of this situation, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and vascular damage. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle-if you cannot be active and wear pressure underwear in the future (after surgery), the blood vessels may become inflamed and the treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure works
Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs is performed in an outpatient clinic. There is no need for general and local anesthesia because the affected area is very small and the process takes place within the blood vessels. If necessary, if you are afraid of surgery, you can take sedatives on the advice of your doctor. The essence of the procedure:
- Make a small incision in the skin of the leg and insert the light guide into the damaged vein. The lamp will emit a laser with a controlled wavelength;
- Due to radiation, blood is squeezed out of damaged veins;
- Under the action of the laser, the blood vessel walls stick together, and blood no longer circulates here.
Usually, laser treatment takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged vein is sealed, the blood passes through the deep vein located inside the muscle. After this operation, there are no scars and hematomas.
Benefits of laser treatment
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared with other methods, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages. Everyone should know the main advantages:
- No need to go to the hospital, because the operation is performed in an outpatient clinic and you can go home on the same day;
- This procedure provides the best cosmetic results because the doctor reaches the affected vein through the small hole in the skin, which will then heal without leaving scars and scars;
- Modern laser equipment can scatter radiation well, so that high-quality treatment can be carried out in the container. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- The veins on the legs can be removed immediately;
- The recovery period is very fast and painless. You can go home an hour after the operation, and a few days later-live the same life.
Considering the listed advantages of this procedure, it is obvious why the use of laser coagulation to treat varicose veins is considered the most effective and safest. After that, there were no thrombophlebitis and secondary infections, scars and discomfort, complications and recurrences.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
In addition to advantages and disadvantages, any medical operation has it. Laser treatment is not always foolproof when it comes to removing leg veins. More precisely, before surgery, you need to be familiar with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of this technique:
- Severe varicose veins cannot be treated with laser;
- Damaged blood vessels have a large diameter. Laser treatment is combined with surgery, so there must be no incisions and marks on the skin;
- Laser treatment of varicose veins requires wearing elastic stockings (at least) one week after the operation, which is not everyone's favorite;
- Many people think that the main disadvantage is the high price of laser surgery.
After weighing the above advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how to best treat varicose veins in a specific situation.
recovery
There are no special measures to restore health after laser coagulation of veins. The patient quickly returned to normal life. There is no need to be hospitalized, as is bed rest. The same goes for antibiotics, physical therapy procedures, and legs that are tightly bandaged like mummies-modern procedures are completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor asked the patient to get up gradually. First, you need to sit on the sofa for a while to normalize your condition, and then you can stand up. It is not recommended to rise sharply after lying on the sofa for an hour, because this will cause the blood vessels to collapse, dizziness, etc.
When the weight is transferred to the legs, the patient will not feel pain in the legs. The only thing that may bother you is a slight tingling sensation on the leg where the light guide is inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, then you do not need to take painkillers.
The prerequisite for the rehabilitation period is to wear compression stockings. The time and degree of compression for wearing this kind of underwear should be discussed separately with the doctor. Due to the compression stockings, the edema is eliminated, the blood flow through the superficial veins is stopped, and their function is taken over by the deep blood vessels. The pressure garment purchased in advance is placed directly on the patient's leg in the operating room after laser coagulation.
For the first 2 days after the operation, the compression stockings will remain on the legs even at night, and then they will be worn during the day and taken off at night as recommended by the doctor. Considering that compression tights will heat the body, it is recommended to perform this procedure in the cold season. This way you can avoid feeling uncomfortable and wearing tights in hot weather.
Physical activity is not restricted-you can walk without assistance. The only thing you shouldn't do after varicose veins and surgery is weightlifting. In the first week, it is best not to go to the sauna and steam room in the bathtub. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive, and perform daily activities.
For everyone with varicose veins in the legs, the general recommendations are as follows:
- Control weight, because extra weight will increase the burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- Avoid static postures. If your professional activities involve sitting or standing for a long time, you need to rest and warm up from time to time;
- You can’t sit with your legs crossed-this will constrict your blood vessels;
- Must quit smoking forever;
- Shoes should be comfortable, women's high heels-up to 5 cm;
- Normalize daily life, supplemented by daily walks and regular gymnastics.
By following the recommendations listed, you can prolong the effect of the surgery in the long term.