The surgical procedure to remove the malformed veins of the lower extremities is called phlebectomy. As we all know, the circulatory system of blood vessels consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communication, which, by the way, connects the first two parts.
The greatest volume of total blood flow occurs in the deep veins, with subcutaneous conduction of only 10%.
However, despite this, they are affected by varicose veins and protrude from the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is done to remove the affected veins. The first was held in the early 20th century.
Today, different techniques can be equally effective at removing the entire major blood vessel or just the small saphenous vein on which the node forms.
Let's consider under what circumstances is surgery for varicose veins of the leg, what kinds are there, and the consequences and contraindications of doing so.
Indications for Leg Surgery
In some cases, medication has no effect in fighting varicose veins, in which case surgery is the only way to get rid of the condition. Fear of surgical intervention has only exacerbated the situation by causing patients to try to delay doctor visits for as long as possible.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory at the following points:
- varicose veins that are seriously neglected;
- Subcutaneous blood vessels increased significantly;
- impedes the movement of blood through the blood vessels, causing systemic fatigue and pain in the extremities;
- Nutritional skin lesions with difficult-to-heal wounds;
- Thrombophlebitis worsens.
Types of operations and their preparation
It is not possible to determine the best type of surgical intervention because each type is appropriate for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor must consider the presentation of the disease, the patient's health and the presence of complications. A good performance requires some preparation. It is important to pass all necessary tests.
It is important to carry out the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- If necessary, shave the operated leg;
- Arrive at the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for lower extremity varicose veins, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Consider how to operate on varicose veins:
- Veneectomy. Operations with special functions. Blood vessels are removed by puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to normal operation.
- Strip the veins. A surgical procedure during which the great saphenous vein and all its tributaries are removed. The incision is usually made in the groin fold. Partial allows you to remove part of the container, while gross allows you to stretch the entire container by freezing it to the probe. All veins adjacent to the removed vein are tied. Lower extremities are pulled together with elastic bandages.
- venous sclerosis. Minimally invasive treatment methods. A sclerosant is injected into the deformed blood vessel. Its role is to glue the lumen. Later, scarring appeared on the site and the veins disappeared completely. Today, the following types of such operations are known:
- Echosclerotherapy. Deep blood vessels 1 cm in diameter are treated and the drug is administered under the control of a scanner. Inject the sclerosant with a needle;
- "Bubble Form" method. The medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any discomfort.
- Laser coagulation of veins. New technology can remove disease without cutting and removing blood vessels. Surgical intervention is performed using light passed through a puncture into the vein and by heating the tissue to seal the affected area. In most cases, recurrence does not occur.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. Surgery is performed using an endoscope under video control. Insert it into the incision and tie the blood vessel. There are no complications, so it almost always ends successfully. It is important that the surgeon performing this procedure has extensive practical experience. Today, it is a very popular type of surgery.
- Radiofrequency ablation. A less invasive method of removing varicose veins from heart surgery. It is used in combination with other methods. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the lumen of the vessel, and the catheter is moved up the length of the vein to be resected. The device is then turned on and the container is glued with the aid of an electric 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 can surgically remove the veins in the varicose veins.
Today, restrictions occur when:
- the final stage of the disease;
- have high blood pressure or coronary heart disease;
- Infectious processes that take place in severe forms;
- Viral skin lesions;
- Old age and pregnancy.
Leg surgery, like any other surgical procedure, can have immediate consequences or some time later.
These include the following situations:
- reduce the sensitivity of skin nerves;
- Numbness in the inner surface of the ankle or lower leg;
- bleeding or suppuration;
- Appearance of new malformed vessels;
- bruising and skin discoloration;
- The affected area is slightly sore.
To avoid all this, it is important to observe the postoperative protocol.
Post-operative care features
In order to preserve results, it is important to follow all physician recommendations and to receive a special course of treatment, chosen taking into account the physical condition, 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 some special exercises: bending and straightening the leg, as well as turning to the side;
- It is recommended to wear an elastic bandage and maintain tension in the heart and blood vessels, lift the legs and hold them in this position for some time;
- First clean seam 6 months. Only use warm water. Lather in these areas with your hands, don't use a hard towel. It is important to remember that scarring is long-term and cannot be loaded;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear 24/7 for 1 month. Then they take it off at night and do it for another two months;
- It's important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help thin your blood and strengthen the walls of your blood vessels.
In conclusion, surgical treatment of venous dilation is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and try to see a doctor after the first symptoms. Remember, varicose veins in the legs are like any other physical problem, and prevention is better than cure.