There are many considerations associated with deciding to undergo varicose vein surgery. When is the right time to have varicose vein surgery, does it hurt to remove varicose veins, and is there a risk of them reoccurring? This article will highlight some of the most common considerations ahead of a potential varicose vein operation.
It can be difficult to make the decision to undergo varicose vein surgery. A varicose vein is a thick and visible vein that bulges out on the skin. Varicose veins can cause both physical and psychological discomfort. Symptoms of varicose veins often include heavy, tired, and swollen legs, as well as general discomfort in the legs and feet.
Preoperative Assessment – The First Step in Varicose Vein Surgery
When you decide to undergo varicose vein surgery, the first step is to contact a clinic for a preoperative assessment. During this assessment, which is conducted with ultrasound, the blood circulation in the legs is examined to determine the presence and severity of any varicose veins.
At clinics like UK Vein Care, the preoperative assessment is always performed by a specialist doctor and takes about thirty minutes. There is no pain associated with this examination.
Once the specialist identifies the varicose veins, they can determine the appropriate treatment method and schedule a time for the varicose vein surgery.
Choosing a Method for Varicose Vein Surgery
The choice of method for the varicose vein surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of the varicose veins, the patient's overall health and quality of life, and whether the patient has previously been treated for varicose veins.
Varicose veins are classified according to the CEAP system, which grades varicose veins from 1-6.
If varicose veins are left untreated, they are likely to worsen over time and can cause severe diseases such as chronic venous ulcers, thrombophlebitis, or deep vein thrombosis. Since varicose vein surgeries only address the symptoms, there is a risk that varicose veins may recur within a few years after surgery.
Varicose Vein Surgery - Different Treatment Methods
In consultation with the patient, the specialist will evaluate the most effective surgical treatment for varicose veins.
Some of the most modern and gentle methods for varicose vein surgery include:
Radiofrequency This treatment involves inserting a catheter that is heated with radiofrequency into the vein where the varicose vein is located. The heat treatment is painless and lasts only a few minutes. The heat causes the vein to close, meaning blood cannot pass through, and the varicose vein disappears.
Laser Treatment In laser treatment, varicose veins are removed by inserting a laser through a catheter into the vein. The laser is then slowly pulled out, and the heat from the laser causes the vein to close and the varicose veins to disappear. This method is often used, is gentle, and typically results in a very satisfactory outcome.
Foam Treatment If someone who has previously had varicose veins wants another surgery, foam treatment is often used. This method is used on smaller and superficial varicose veins because it is not as effective as laser treatment and therefore is not suitable for treating large varicose veins. In foam treatment combined with ultrasound, a foam agent is injected into a vein. The foam causes the vein to close up, and the varicose veins disappear.
These treatment methods address the medical aspect of a varicose vein. To remove the cosmetic part, i.e., the visible veins that bulge out on the leg, a phlebectomy is used.
Phlebectomy During a phlebectomy, the specialist makes a micro-incision on the skin where the varicose veins are located and uses a very small hook to pull out a piece of the diseased blood vessel. This can cause some small scars, but they disappear over time. Phlebectomy is often used in conjunction with other types of varicose vein surgeries.
Criteria for Varicose Vein Surgery
A person experiencing pain and discomfort due to varicose veins can have a preoperative assessment and get the varicose veins evaluated. A person with severe varicose veins, classified as C4 or higher, may have their varicose vein surgery paid for by the NHS. Various criteria must be met, and the specialist assesses this during the preoperative assessment.
Post-Varicose Vein Surgery Care
Depending on the treatment used, the leg will be bandaged immediately after the varicose vein surgery. After a day, the bandage should be replaced with compression stockings for five days.
No sick leave is required after varicose vein surgery, and patients are advised to move around to maintain good blood circulation. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for about a week after the surgery.
Results of Varicose Vein Surgery
After varicose vein surgery, the leg may be swollen and soft, and bruises or swellings may occur in the area where the varicose veins were operated on. The bruises usually disappear after a few weeks, but it can take up to four to six months for the swellings to disappear.
