Varicose veins in the legs is a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of place of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of varicose veins of the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure comes down to the introduction of a special light guide into the blood vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick together, and the blood flow will be directed through the healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classical venous resection (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removal of only a portion of the diseased vein (microbelectomy) leaves scars on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Considering the listed disadvantages, which lasers lack, is the laser treatment of varicose veins which is rightly called the best alternative from the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for over 10 years and during this time laser coagulation has not caused any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we consider the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to accumulate the required amount or get a loan.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of large and small dilated saphenous veins. Moreover, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the veins themselves should be largely uniform, with no sharp curves. Vein branches should be either healthy or slightly enlarged. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the initial stage of varicose veins, when the severity is small and this only applies to superficial veins. As for veins dilated by more than 1 cm, they can be "glued" even with laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will disintegrate again and the whole treatment will go to waste.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative impact on adjacent tissues. Therefore, in case of significant damage to blood vessels and for deep veins, laser is not effective. In such situations, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
Except in the cases listed above, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it may harm the patient. There are plenty of contraindications, and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relative ones include those contraindications that only at this time do not allow the operation to be performed. There may be burns and inflammations on the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to cure the current problem and then proceed with laser vein removal. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered as relative contraindications, as during this period the body weakens, and the load on the legs is large. Due to the overload of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed on obese people - complications are possible.
Absolute ones include those contraindications, due to which a person is forbidden to remove the laser. These are the following states:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- disturbed lymph and blood flow to the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle - if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), then the vessel may become inflamed and treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs is performed on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia are not needed, as the area of influence is very small and the process takes place inside the blood vessels. If necessary, you can take a sedative on your doctor's recommendation if you are afraid of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- a small incision is made in the skin of the foot through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This device will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is pushed out of the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the walls of the vessel stick together, blood no longer circulates here.
Typically, laser treatment lasts up to 90 minutes. After closing the damaged veins, the blood is directed through the deep veins located inside the muscles. After such a procedure, there are no wounds and hematomas.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, compared to other methods, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages. Everyone should know about the main advantages:
- there is no need to go to the hospital, as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home on the same day;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin, which will then heal without sores and wounds;
- Modern laser devices scatter radiation well, which allows high-quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove the veins in both legs;
- the rehabilitation period is very fast and painless. An hour after the procedure, you can go home, and after a few days - live the same life.
Considering the listed advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins using laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safest. Behind him, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, sores and discomfort, complications and recurrences.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Every medical manipulation has, in addition to advantages and disadvantages. When removing leg veins, laser treatment is also not always cloudy. More precisely, before the procedure, you should be acquainted with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- a severe stage of varicose veins is not treated with laser;
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser therapy is combined with a surgical operation, and can not be done without incisions and marks on the skin;
- Laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings for a week (at least) after surgery, which not everyone likes;
- The main disadvantage by many is considered to be the high prices for laser procedures.
Once you have weighed the mentioned advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor how to better treat varicose veins in a particular case.
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There are no special measures to restore health after laser vein coagulation. The patient quickly returns to normal life. No hospitalization is required, as is bed rest. The same can be said for taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and legs that are tightly bandaged, like a zombie - the modern procedure is completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to rise gradually. First you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your posture, after which you can stand up. Sharp rise after an hour lying on the sofa is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when transferring his weight to them. The only thing that can bother you is a tingling sensation in the place of the foot through which the light guide is inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, then you do not need to take sedatives.
A prerequisite for the rehabilitation period will be the wearing of compression socks. The duration of wearing such underwear and the degree of their compression should be discussed individually with the doctor. Thanks to compression stockings, the swelling is eliminated and the blood flow through the superficial veins is stopped, their role is taken by the deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression pads are placed on the patient's feet directly in the operating room after laser coagulation is completed.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, compression stockings are left standing even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and removed at night. Given that compression tights will warm the body, it is advisable to do the procedure during the cold season. This way you can avoid the worries and the need to wear tights on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that should not be done with varicose veins and after surgery is lifting weights. During the first week, it is undesirable to visit the sauna and steam room in the bath. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive a car and do your usual activities.
The general recommendations for anyone who has encountered varicose veins in the legs are as follows:
- control body weight, as excess pounds are a burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If your professional activity involves prolonged sitting or standing, you should take breaks and warm up occasionally;
- you can not sit with your legs crossed - this narrows the blood vessels;
- smoking should be quit forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize your daily routine, supplementing it with daily walks and regular aerobics.
By following the listed recommendations, you can extend the effect of the operation for a long period.