What types of surgery treat varicose veins?
Varicose veins are usually benign and self- diagnosed but in some cases they cause pain, discomfort or a circulatory problem. The most common symptoms are swollen blood vessels in the leg, heavy legs, bruising and discoloration. Varicose veins can be self diagnosed, as they are visible on the leg due to discoloration and can also be diagnosed through a test called Venous Doppler Ultrasound of the leg. Through this Doppler Ultrasound test, doctors send sound waves using a transducer. The transducer is a small device used by the diagnostician over the skin to get a better picture of the blood flow through the valves in veins which will be displayed on the monitor. This test also helps to detect clots in the leg.
There are various treatments that can help with Varicose vein depending upon the severity of the symptoms. Here is a list of procedures to cure Varicose vein, for some people varicose vein treatment is just a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the leg.
Self- care measures - Varicose Vein is developed due to damaged valves in the veins, these damaged valves restrict blood flow. The blood pools in the veins cause swollen and twisted veins, the veins become noticeable because of discolouration. There are some self care practices to help deal with Varicose vein symptoms. Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation in legs; swimming, yoga, walking has low impact on calf muscle without stressing the veins. Some plant extracts like horse chestnut extract, sea pine extracts, butchers broom extract help reduce leg pain, heaviness and itching related to varicose veins. These extracts are easily available online. Applying these extracts mixed with oils can be used as aromatherapy. Making a few changes to diet can help with few symptoms of Varicose veins, reducing sodium intake and adding flavonoids. Avoid tight clothes that restrict blood flow in legs and keep legs elevated to ease the circulation. Also keep moving at regular intervals, avoid cross legged sitting which adds up to circulation problems.
Devices - Elastic bandage and Compression Stockings are the devices commonly used for Varicose veins. Elastic bandage is a stretchy bandage wrapped around strains and sprains to provide support. Compression Stocking is an elastic hosiery that squeezes the blood up preventing swelling and blood clots. A new device BioVena is available in the market from 2016 a new and advanced approach to help with Varicose vein. An injection is given to the patient prior to activating the device. The device not just helps with Varicose veins but also with distressing leg ulcers.
Laser therapy - Endovenous Laser therapy is a medical procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce Varicose veins. The laser closes or shrinks the swollen vein, this seals off the vein. The blood flows through the nearby vein. Laser surgery is recommended by the doctors if the skin over Varicose veins is irritated. Though the surgery is a simple procedure, it has some side effects like infections, pain, nerve damage, bruising, blood clots etc. Since it is a small procedure the patient need not stay at the hospital after the surgery. Bruising and swelling can be reduced within a week or two.
Radio frequency ablation- RF ablation also called as fulguration is a medical procedure in which electric current is used. Radio waves generate medium frequency alternating current to destroy or shrink the tumour and venous insufficiency in the leg. The heat destroys the nerve which stops sending pain signals to the brain. This procedure has a 90% success rate in treating Varicose veins, it can also be repeated if needed. The bruising can be healed within a week with a bandage.
Sclerotherapy - Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure to treat malformations. A solution is directly injected into the vein, the solution makes the tissue collapse and blood clotting. Over a period of time, the vein fades. Sclerotherapy is a proven medical procedure from the 1930s. The dermatologist and Vascular medicine specialist decides if the candidate is eligible for the procedure or not. The results are either permanent or temporary, sometimes new spider veins are formed after the treated vein fades away. Patients can achieve desired results in 4 treatment sessions, the vein disappears within 3 to 6 months.
Ambulatory phlebectomy - AP is a semi surgical procedure to treat Superficial veins. Doctors use a small scalpel to remove the varicose vein just beneath the skin. The patients heal within a few weeks. Though the procedure is simple and recovery is quick one has to be careful with daily routine and activities.