Vein surgery (treatment of varicose veins)

Varicose veins is a dangerous disease caused by pathologic changes in the veins. This disease results in the increase of the length of veins, formation of saccular dilatations, curves, knots, snarls. They lead to the impairment of venous blood circulation and dysfunction venous valves. This problem is considered to be one of the most common vascular system diseases. The superficial veins become enlarged, bluish-green, and bulge out from underneath the skin.

Treatment of varicose veins:

The most widespread surgical methods of varicose veins treatment are phlebectomy, crossectomy, vein extraction, microphlebectomy, endoscopic vein surgery.

1. Phlebectomy involves removal of the damaged vein sections through incisions in the skin under general anesthesia. This surgery is extremely effective but it is followed by a long-term recovery period because of a large amount of damaged tissue.
2. Crossectomy is one the most common procedures in the course of which a surgeon makes several incisions and ligates the great saphenous vein through them separating it from the pathologically changed fragment. Then, the varicose veins are removed.
3. Vein extraction is a procedure aimed at complete removal of the damaged vein. For this purpose a surgeon makes incisions on both ends of the affected segment and places wires there to separate it. Then, the unhealthy vein is extracted completely.
4. Microphlebectomy is indicated if the size of varicose veins is insignificant. A surgeon makes a series of small incisions and removes the damaged segments through them. These incisions are so small that there is even no need to suture them.
5. Endoscopic surgery is applicable for the treatment of the severe cases of varicose veins. Using small incisions a surgeon inserts a thin tube equipped with a video camera (endoscope) and other surgical instruments into a vein. If allows viewing its internal condition on display. The entire surgery process is monitored this way. Endoscopic method enables a surgeon to perform an extensive scope of work on a damaged vein at a considerable distance from the incision.

Upon completion of any of these procedures of varicose veins treatment the legs of a patient are wrapped with an elastic bandage.

Preparation to treatment of varicose veins:

Preoperative preparation requires from a patient to undergo a comprehensive clinical examination including blood and urine tests, ECG, X-ray examination. Furthermore, ultrasound and X-ray examinations of venous system are performed using contrast materials.

Additional consultation with a general practitioner, cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist is required. All mentioned above allows careful preparation to the procedure and exclusion of any contraindications to the fullest.

If a patient has any current diseases and takes any medicines a doctor should be informed about it. Prior to the procedure it is important to stop taking medications affecting the blood clotting ability.

Also, in the course of preparation a patient must drop bad habits and stick to a special diet. Right before the beginning of the procedure a patient’s intestines are purged and the urinary bladder is emptied.

Surgery/procedure duration: 1-2 hours

Anesthesia: local or general

Postoperative period:

The recovery period duration after varicose veins removal depends on the surgery scope and severity of a patient’s condition. After a minimally invasive procedure the healing process is very quick. A patients returns to a normal everyday life in a couple of days.

Upon any procedure performed on veins it is important to wear compression stockings or wrap the affected areas with elastic bandages for a month.

In several days a surgeon carries out an additional ultrasound to evaluate the condition of veins.