A surgical operation to remove deformed veins of the lower extremities is called a phlebectomy. It is known that the vascular circulatory system consists of three parts: superficial, deep and communicative, which, by the way, connects the two previous ones.
The maximum amount of total blood flow occurs through deep veins, subcutaneous behavior only 10%.
However, despite this, there are those who are affected by varicose veins and come out on the surface of the skin.
Phlebectomy is to eliminate the affected veins. It was first held in the early 20th century.
Today, various techniques make it possible to equally effectively remove all major vessels or simply small saphenous veins with nodes formed on them.
Let us consider in which cases an operation for varicose veins in the leg is prescribed, what varieties exist, as well as the consequences and contraindications for its implementation.
Indications for foot surgery
There are cases when drug treatment does not give any results in the fight against varicose veins, in this case, surgery is the only way out of this situation. Fear of surgical intervention leads to the fact that patients try to delay the trip to the doctor as much as possible and thus only worsen the situation.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory at the following points:
- severely neglected condition of varicose veins;
- a significant increase in subcutaneous vessels;
- violation of the movement of blood through the vessels, leading to systematic fatigue and pain in the limbs;
- trophic skin lesions with difficult healing wounds;
- exacerbation of thrombophlebitis.
Types of operations and preparation for them
It is impossible to determine the best type of surgical intervention, as each is suitable for each individual case. Before choosing, the doctor should take into account the manifestation of the disease, the well-being of the patient and the presence of complications. Good performance requires preparation. It is important to pass all the necessary tests.
It is important to perform the following activities:
- take a contrast shower;
- if necessary, shave the leg on which the operation will be performed;
- come to the hospital before the appointed time.
Today, medicine offers several types of surgical interventions for varicose veins of the lower extremities, each with its pros and cons.
Consider how varicose veins are operated on:
- Miniflebektomia. An operation that has special features. The vessels are removed through a puncture. Recovery is faster, but otherwise everything is similar to a regular operation.
- Disappearance of veins. A type of surgical operation during which the great saphenous vein is removed along with all its branches. The incision is usually made in the inguinal fold. The partial allows you to remove part of the vessel, and the total allows you to extend the entire vessel by freezing it in the probe. All venous vessels adjacent to the removed one are connected. The lower limb is pulled together with an elastic bandage.
- Venous sclerosis. Minimally invasive method of treatment. A sclerosant is injected into the deformed vessels. Its action is to climb the lumen. Later, a scar appears in this place and the vein disappears completely. Today, the following types of this operation are popular:
- echosclerotherapy. Deep dishes with a diameter of 1 cm are treated. The drug is administered under the control of a scanner. A sclerosant is injected with a needle;
- "foam-shaped" method. The medicinal substance is a special foam. The procedure is safe and does not cause any inconvenience.
- Laser coagulation of veins. New technology makes it possible to remove the disease without cutting and removing blood vessels. The surgery is performed using light passing through a vein through a puncture, and by heating the tissues, they close the affected areas. In most cases, relapses do not occur.
- Endoscopic vein dissection. The operation is performed using a video-controlled endoscope. It is inserted into the cut and the ship is moored. Complications do not show up, 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. Less traumatic for varicose vein removal, which came from cardiac surgery. Used in combination with other methods. During the operation, a catheter is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, which moves up to the length of the vein to be removed. Then the appliance is turned on and the container is glued with the help of electricity. Radiofrequency ablation is very similar to sclerotherapy, but unlike it, does not require the introduction of special substances.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Despite all the positive aspects, the removal of veins in varicose veins with the help of surgery can not be done by all patients.
Today, restrictions occur in the following cases:
- the last stage of the disease;
- the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease;
- infectious processes occurring in severe form;
- viral skin lesions;
- old age and pregnancy.
Like any other surgical intervention, foot surgery can have consequences that appear immediately or after a while.
These include the following situations:
- decreased sensitivity of skin nerves;
- numbness of the ankle or the inner surface of the lower leg;
- bleeding or suffocation;
- the appearance of new deformed vessels;
- bruising and skin blemishes;
- mild pain of the affected area.
To avoid all this, it is important to respect the postoperative regimen.
Characteristics of postoperative care
To maintain the results, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations and undergo a special course of treatment, which is chosen taking into account the condition of the body, the 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 have to move. Just do special exercises: bend and unlock the legs, as well as turn to the side;
- It is recommended to put on an elastic bandage and maintain the tone of the heart and blood vessels, lift the legs up and hold them for a while in this position;
- Sewing cleaning for the first time 6 months. performed only with warm water. Paint the places with foam by hand, without using stiff cloths. It is important to remember that wounds form for a long time and can not be loaded;
- At home, it is recommended to wear compression underwear around the clock for 1 month. Then they remove it overnight and do it for another 2 months;
- It is important to stick to a diet and eat foods that help thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
As can be seen from all of the above, surgical treatment of varicose veins is quite popular today. However, it is important not to start the disease and try to go to the doctor after the first symptoms appear. Remember that varicose veins in the legs, like other problems with the body, are better prevented than treated.