One in three people suffers from varicose veins, particularly on the legs, and they affect both men and women. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins are worn out or defective. It is these valves in the veins that help regulate circulation so that the blood is pumped in the right direction. If these valves do not function correctly, the blood will flow back and accumulate in pools, which in turn will cause the vein to swell and varicose veins to form.
Like most parts of the body, the venous valves wear out over time, increasing the risk of varicose veins as you age. If you want to have your varicose veins treated, there are various treatment methods, which in severe cases of varicose veins can be paid for by the NHS. This article will describe treatment methods for varicose veins and the criteria that must be met for you to have your varicose vein operation paid for by your NHS.
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins most commonly occur on the legs, especially on the lower leg and behind the knee. Varicose veins are thick, blue, and twisted veins that lie superficially under the skin. It is also possible to have deeper varicose veins that are not directly visible but can cause the same mild pain as visible varicose veins. The mild pain caused by varicose veins results in swollen and tired legs that can feel heavy and sore. Varicose veins can also cause cramps in the legs and feet.
If you have varicose veins, they will worsen over time, which can cause skin pigmentation, eczema, and venous ulcers. These ulcers can be very difficult to heal. Another serious disease that can be caused by varicose veins is thrombophlebitis, a blood clot in a superficial vein, caused by poor blood circulation, among other factors.
The first step in diagnosing varicose veins is a preliminary examination. In a preliminary examination, the vascular surgeon examines the legs with ultrasound to determine if there are varicose veins and, if so, how severe they are and which operation is recommended to remove the varicose veins.
Classification of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are classified according to a system that grades varicose veins by severity. The system for this is called CEAP and ranges from C1-C6. This classification is used, among other things, to assess whether a varicose vein operation can be paid for by the NHS.
Classification of varicose veins based on the CEAP system:
- C0: No symptoms or varicose veins
- C1: Spider veins are visible but the problems for the patient are only cosmetic.
- C2: Varicose veins are visible and mild symptoms in the form of heavy and tired legs occur along with cosmetic concerns.
- C3: The varicose veins are thick and very clear. They cause swelling and edema in the legs.
- C4: Varicose veins have caused skin changes on the lower leg, often on the ankles. The skin is discolored, rough, and can cause eczema.
- C5: Ulcers have occurred and then healed.
- C6: All of the above symptoms have occurred and there are ulcers that do not heal.
Operation of Varicose Veins
After the preliminary examination, the doctor and patient discuss the best treatment method for the patient based on the severity according to the classification of the varicose veins.
Treatments for Varicose Veins
At UK Vein Care, only the most modern and gentle methods are used for the treatment of varicose veins. These methods are minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and require only a short convalescence.
- Foam Treatment: In foam treatment, a medication is injected into the damaged vein which causes it to close, and then the blood flows in new veins which causes the varicose veins to disappear.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is performed in such a way that a catheter with a laser is inserted into the vein and then slowly pulled out, which causes the vein to close off and the varicose veins to disappear. This type of treatment is often used in conjunction with phlebectomy and is known as the hook method.
- Hook Method: The hook method begins with a very small incision made on the skin where the varicose veins are located after which the diseased vein is pulled out. This method removes the cosmetic problems with varicose veins and is often used together with laser treatment.
An operation on varicose veins can remove both the physical and psychological discomforts that arise together with varicose veins. The purpose of a treatment is to remove these physical and psychological discomforts caused by varicose veins to the greatest extent possible, prevent more severe symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Criteria for Getting an Operation for Varicose Veins
No referral is required to come to a preliminary examination or to have an operation on varicose veins at UK Vein Care. Anyone who has problems with varicose veins on their legs can get an assessment for an operation at UK Vein Care, and in some cases, the costs for the operation can be covered by the NHS.
However, for an operation on varicose veins to be covered by the NHS, certain criteria must be met:
- The varicose veins are classified between C4 and C6
- The varicose veins are classified as C3 in combination with thrombophlebitis
Other criteria that may be included are:
- The varicose veins are bleeding or are located in an area where there is a high risk of bleeding.
- How general quality of life has been affected.
These criteria are only guiding as it is up to the vascular surgeon to assess whether the criteria in a specific NHS are met to have a varicose vein operation paid for by the NHS.
Summary
Varicose veins affect every third person. Varicose veins typically appear on the lower leg in the form of thick, twisted, and bluish veins. If you have varicose veins, you may experience mild pain, and if the varicose veins are not treated, they can lead to eczema, leg ulcers, and in the worst case, thrombophlebitis. To classify varicose veins, the CEAP system is used. This system is used by vascular surgeons to assess whether the criteria for a varicose vein operation are met. There are various criteria that must be met before the costs for the operation can be covered by the NHS. In addition to the severity of the varicose veins, one also looks at the patient's quality of life and where the varicose veins are located. The latter can affect the risk of bleeding.
