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Varicose Veins Surgery
Having distended veins in the legs? Chronic pain in the calf and thigh? You could have varicose veins surgery. Varicose veins are a dilatation of the veins in the leg due to improper emptying of the veins. Over time, the varicose veins tend to progress, and unattended care can lead to a lot of complications. Getting early treatment and diagnosis of varicose veins can help you get ahead of the disease while maintaining your quality of life. Medintu can help you get in touch with the best varicose vein surgeons in your city.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are dilated veins that appear as tortuous swelling, usually on the legs and sometimes in the other parts of the body. Varicose veins happen due to the collection of blood in the veins due to backflow. This backflow of blood is what causes the dilatation of the veins, and it is because of the absence of what are known as venous valves.
Venous valves prevent the blood in the veins from flowing back due to gravity and make sure that the blood keeps moving toward the heart. When the valves fail,the collection of blood in the veins gives rise to varicose veins, which are most commonly found in the legs. Varicose veins are a very common health concern and can be adequately addressed by varicose veins surgeons or general surgeons.
Why choose Medintu?
Medintu is one of the leading medical service platforms in the country and is committed to delivering the best healthcare at the most affordable prices. We are catering to the healthcare needs of several Indian metropolitan areas, such as Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Vizag, Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore,
and Ahemadabad, with home-based services such as sample collection, radiodiagnostics, online doctor appointments, and home-based nursing care.
Medintu is associated with the best varicose veins surgeon and vascular surgeons in the country, with years of training in the specialty and the use of advanced technology for minimally invasive varicose vein surgery. Get operated on by the most gentle and caring hands to go ahead and live your best life, free of pain and restrictions. Please book your appointment with our consultant vascular surgeon today.
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Who is at Risk for Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins tend to happen in certain sexes and people of specific professions. Some people at
increased risk of varicose veins are as follows:
1. Females, due to increased estrogen levels
2. Pregnant women
3. Weightlifters
4. Doctors
5. Traffic police
6. Obese people
7. People with a family history of varicose veins
8. Leg injury
9. hormonal medication
What are the Complications of Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins, if left untreated, can lead to several complications that can be functional and
cosmetic.
1. Venous ulcers in the region between the calf and ankle
2. Deep vein thrombosis
3. Lipodermatosclerosis or champagne bottle deformity of the legs
4. Chronic pain in the leg
5. Bleeding due to a tear of the veins through the skin.
What are the Signs, Symptoms and types of Varicose Veins?
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms seen in varicose veins, and they are as
follows:
1. pain in the area affected by varicose veins increased on standing or sitting for long periods
2. swelling in the legs and ankles on prolonged standing or sitting with legs hanging
3. cramping pain or stiffness during activity
4. changes in the color and texture of the skin of the affected area
5. Itching or irritation in the areas with varicosities
6. Ulcers at the affected sites are called venous ulcers, which may even bleed sometimes.
Types:
Varicose veins can be of different types, depending on the size of the veins.
1. spider veins of breadth less than 1 mm, which are tiny dilated veins near the skin surface resembling
spider webs.
2. Reticular veins of size between 1-3 mm, which are small blue-green veins seen on the skin.
3. varicose veins with a size above 3 mm. These can be located anywhere on the body, such as the legs,
inside the pelvic region, and even the rectum and anus, as hemorrhoids.
What are the Varicose Veins Causes?
Varicose veins can be because of a variety of different causes, some of which are listed as follows:
1. Hereditary: for some people, varicose veins may run in the family, and they are more likely to get
affected.
2. Female Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins because of the effect of estrogen.
3. Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are likely to develop varicose veins due to the pressure of the
pregnant uterus on the veins that bring back the blood from the lower limbs.
4. Hormonal Pills: These are rich in estrogens and progesterone, which can lead to hormonal changes
and affect the veins
5. Previous Injury: Past injury to a part can damage the veins and supporting tissues around it to cause
varicose veins.
6. High Blood Pressure: raised blood pressure can also cause damage to the veins.
7. Lifestyle: Smoking and obesity can also cause varicose veins in individuals.
8. Weakness of Muscles: Muscles act as pumps for the veins. Therefore, muscle weakness can also cause varicose veins.
What are the tests done for Varicose Veins?
The following tests can be done for varicose veins:
a. Doppler ultrasound: it is a common test done to visualize blood flow in the veins and identify faulty valves.
b. Duplex Ultrasound: It is done to visualize the anatomy of the vein as well as the blood flow
through it, is a highly sensitive scan.
c.Venograph: It is an invasive test that uses the injection of contrast to see the blood flow in the veins.
d. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, or CT, are done on rare occasions to
rule out other diagnoses.
e.Plethysmography:It can be which can be a photo plethysmography or an air plethysmograph, which uses light
and air, respectively, to measure the efficiency of the venous supply and its functioning.
e. A clinical assessment or a physical exam to see visible signs and symptoms of varicose veins.
What are the Treatment options for Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can be managed with lifestyle modifications, medications, and even surgical methods.
1. Avoid standing and sitting for long hours.
2. Use medical-grade compression stockings to maintain and improve blood flow.
3. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight with a good diet and regular exercise
4. Medical treatment such as over-the-counter medications for pain management, use of antiplatelets
and anticoagulants, and phlebotomy to strengthen blood vessels such as diosmin, topical gels, and
creams to soothe skin irritation can help manage the symptoms of varicose veins.
5. Surgical methods can be used in severe cases of
a. Venous stripping, wherein the damaged vein is removed through incision in a severe case of varicose
veins.
b. laser therapy for small varicose veins like spider veins and reticular veins.
c. foam sclerotherapy, wherein a sclerosant is injected into the affected veins to close the veins. It is
done in larger veins.
d. High ligation and stripping: In very severe cases of varicose veins, the affected vein is tied up and then
removed or stripped.
Endovenous laser ablation, or EVLA, and endovenous radiofrequency ablation, or EVRA, are commonly
used minimally invasive procedures to close off the affected vein and are done under local anesthesia.
f. Ambulatory phlebectomy: This is done for medium-sized varicose veins, where the veins are removed
via small skin incisions on an OPD basis.
What is the procedure for varicose surgery?
Once the diagnosis of varicose veins is made and surgery is seen as the best option, a date for the surgery is decided upon. A thorough pre-surgical evaluation through routine blood tests and scans is done, and anesthetic fitness is evaluated. Admission is done on the day before surgery, and the patient is kept fasting throughout the night. Part preparation by shaving the part that will be operated on is done, and the patient is changed into an operating gown. The patient is shifted to the operation theatre at the time of surgery, and after a checkup by the anesthetist, the surgery is performed. Following surgery, the patient is kept under observation for 3–4 hours or overnight and then shifted to the ward for discharge.
How do I Recover from Varicose Vein Surgery?
Recovering from varicose vein surgery requires the following general guidelines, which will help enable a
faster recovery.
1. Follow all the instructions for postoperative care.
2. Use compression stockings to reduce swelling and enable better blood flow.
3. Keep your wound clean and do regular dressings.
4. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
5. Slowly return to normal activities in 2–3 weeks.
6. Take your medications regularly.
7. Maintain a good and nutritious diet.
8. Follow up with your surgeon regularly.
9. Avoid smoking or drinking during the recovery period, as it may delay recovery
FAQs
How do you prevent varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a common problem and can be prevented by taking the following measures:
1. Elevating legs above the level of the heart while lying down
2. Exercising
3. Losing weight
4. Avoiding standing for long durations
5. Wear compressive stockings while standing for long periods, like in the profession of a teacher, doctor,
or traffic police.
6. Avoid garments that are tight around the waist.
What is the duration of varicose vein surgery?
- The total duration of a varicose vein surgery can be anywhere from 1 and a half hours to two and a half
hours in a more complicated case, after which the patient will be kept under observation for 3–4 hours
before being shifted back to the room.e
How long will it take to resume normal activity after varicose vein surgery?
Immediately post-surgery, strenuous exercise is to be strictly avoided, and after the second to third day,
one can slowly start their regular activities. After two weeks, one can shift to more moderate-intensity
tasks. One can resume exercise and heavy lifting after getting a consultation from the operating surgeon.
What is the cost of varicose vein surgery in India?
The cost of varicose vein surgery in India can vary anywhere from 35,000 to 1,50,000 rupees for surgery,
depending on the type of surgery, extent of the disease, disease severity, the doctor, and the city
Varicose Veins – Causes, Symptoms, Stages, And Treatment
Nowadays, the issue of “Varicose veins” has become common among people due to lifestyle changes and stress. Generally, it can happen anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the legs.
Though the condition of varicose veins is not considered a serious medical issue, unfortunately, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to more serious problems over time if not treated.
So, are you worried about varicose veins? Do you have a problem with varicose veins? Do they cause extreme pain? Do you want to get rid of this condition?
Well! You are at the right approach, read this article to understand what are varicose veins? What are the causes of varicose veins? What are the symptoms of varicose veins? What are the stages of Varicose Veins? Types of treatments for varicose veins to manage the condition and still if you are concerned about varicose veins, know the Myths about varicose veins and make your life better and easier.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large superficial veins, which are also known as varicosities, or varicose. Usually, they appear swollen, enlarged, dilated, a twisted bunch of blue or purple veins beneath the surface of the skin, and are overfilled with blood. They often occur in the legs and feet. At times, they cause aching pain and discomfort.
This condition is relatively common in women compared to men. Varicose veins have to be treated early before they lead to more serious vascular problems.
Now, let us know about the causes and symptoms of varicose veins.
What are the causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the functioning of veins gets affected. Normally, the veins in the legs have one-way valves that prevent the flow of blood in the backward direction. As these valves fail, the blood begins to get collected in the veins rather than moving up towards the heart. Then the veins set out to enlarge. Thus, varicose veins often affect the legs. The leg veins are quite distant from the heart, and hence, it becomes difficult for the muscles to push the blood in an upward direction. This creates a kind of pressure called “venous pressure”.
Any persistent pain in the leg or swelling may indicate a blood clot. In medical terms, this condition is known as thrombophlebitis.
Here are some potential causes of varicose veins:
- Age – The risk of varicose veins increases with the age factor. Generally, aging causes wear and tear on the valves in the veins that help in monitoring the flow of blood. Ultimately, that deterioration causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into the veins, where it gets collected instead of moving up to the heart.
- Family History/Heredity of Varicose Veins – If any of your family members had varicose veins, probably, considering as a heredity factor, there is a greater chance of getting varicose veins.
- Obesity – Being overweight/obese puts excess pressure on the veins of the leg, leading to varicose veins condition.
- Pregnancy – During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases, and this variation helps the growing fetus, but unfortunately, the rise in the volume of blood can create side effects such as the enlargement of veins in the legs.
- Hormonal changes – Women are more likely to develop the condition of varicose veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or during or before periods or menopause state might be one of the causes of varicose veins. This is because the hormones of females tend to relax vein walls. Sometimes, approaching birth control methods such as using birth control pills might trigger the risk of varicose veins.
- Occupation – The blood doesn’t flow well if you sit or stand for long periods during your work. This leads to conditions such as varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
The main symptoms of varicose veins are visible usually on your legs. They include:
- Burning, muscle cramping, throbbing, and swelling in the lower legs.
- Aching or feeling heaviness over or around the enlarged leg veins.
- Veins appear dark purple or blue.
- Veins appear bulging or twisted like cords on your legs.
- Developing swelling or skin discoloration around a varicose vein.
- Worsened leg pain after sitting or standing for a long period.
- Swelling of ankles or feet.
- Itching like a sensation around one or more veins.
- Bleeding of veins results in ulcers.
- The appearance of spider veins, i.e., smaller veins visible on the surface of the skin.
Stages of Varicose Veins
The following are the stages of varicose veins:
- Stage 1: Spider veins
- Stage 2: Reticular or varicose veins
- Stage 3: Venous nodes
- Stage 4: Chronic Venous Insufficiency/Edema of the lower leg
- Stage 5: Trophic ulcers or Varicose Eczema
Types of treatments for varicose veins
In general, doctors advise following some conventional methods while treating varicose veins. Instead of undergoing aggressive treatments without the condition getting worse, they suggest some self-care tips to help you manage varicose veins. Remember, self–caring and maintaining a good lifestyle for your health is the best solution to overcome the varicose veins condition.
Lifestyle changes:
The following lifestyle changes help you to prevent varicose veins from developing or becoming worse:
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
- Regular exercise helps you improve your blood circulation.
- Elevating your legs above the heart 3 – 4 times a day for about 15 minutes helps in a good flow of blood.
- Wear compression socks or stockings to reduce swelling.
Other treatment methods for serious varicose veins:
If the suggested lifestyle changes don’t work, or if your varicose veins condition is serious and causing a lot of pain or ruining your complete health, then your doctor recommends some invasive options/methods to get rid of varicose veins condition.
- Ligation and stripping surgical treatment – The vein ligation and stripping method is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia (a drug-induced to prevent you from pain). During this procedure, a well-qualified and certified surgeon makes incise in the skin and removes the varicose vein. Though modernized alternations of vein-stripping surgeries have been developed, practically they are considered less because novel and easy invasive choices are available.
- Sclerotherapy – A chemical solution is injected into small or medium-sized varicose veins, thereby, the veins become hard and after a few weeks, they start disappearing.
- Endovenous Laser surgery – This kind of surgery is recommended only if there is a serious leg ulcer. During this procedure, a highly qualified surgeon inserts a reedy video camera/catheter inside your leg to observe the intensity of varicose veins. Through small incisions, he removes varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation – In this procedure, a doctor makes a small incision either above or below the knee, and a narrow tube (catheter) is threaded into the vein with the help of an ultrasound scan. A probe, which emits radiofrequency energy, is inserted into the catheter. The emitted energy heats the vein, thereby causing its walls to collapse. Later, it effectively closes and seals the wound. During this procedure, local anesthesia is given to the patients. Usually, this procedure is suggested only for larger varicose veins.
- Phlebectomy – Phlebectomy is a type of outpatient varicose vein removal procedure in which small surgical incisions are performed in the leg near the injured vein and the varicose vein is removed through one of the incisions.
Myths about varicose veins
Here are the top six myths about varicose veins that you need to bust out.
- Myth 1: If you cross your legs often, it leads to the condition of varicose veins.
- Myth 2: Varicose veins are the problem of older women only.
- Myth 3: Massage can cure varicose veins completely.
- Myth 4: Exercise makes your varicose veins worse.
- Myth 5: Tattoos are awful for varicose veins.
- Myth 6: Varicose veins treatment is too expensive and a painful procedure.
Though varicose veins are not a serious medical problem, remember if the condition worsened it may lead to other health complications. So, a timely visit to a qualified physician and good treatment will lessen your problem and risk of varicose veins.
Make your life better with changes in your lifestyle and quick doctor consultations.