Indications for phlebectomy (removal of varicose veins):
- extensive varicose veins;
- abnormal expansion of the subcutaneous veins;
- puffiness and fatigue of the feet;
- violation of outflow of blood;
- trophic ulcers;
- acute thrombophlebitis of varicose veins.
Contraindications to surgery to remove varicose veins:
- late stage of varicose veins;
- hypertonic disease;
- cardiac ischemia;
- severe infectious processes;
- elderly patient;
- II-III trimesters of pregnancy;
- eczema, erysipelas, pyoderma, inflammation on the legs, etc.
Preparatory stage for phlebectomy
Preparation for this operation is absolutely simple. To begin with, take a shower and completely shave the leg, on which the operation will be performed. It should be noted that before the Flebectomy the skin of the legs should be absolutely healthy and there should not be any pustular diseases on it. In an operation under general anesthesia purgative enemas are prescribed. The patient should come to a phlebectomy in a wide shoe and clothes. If he takes any medications, he should inform the doctor in advance.
In addition, the doctor should be informed of possible allergic reactions to certain medications.
Phlebectomy procedure
During surgery, the patient's veins are removed. Phlebectomy lasts about 2 hours. The removal of veins is absolutely safe for the human body. After all, varicose veins affect the subcutaneous veins, and through them only 10% of the blood flows. After phlebectomy, almost imperceptible small scars remain (4-5 mm).
If it is revealed that the veins valves do not function properly, then an extravasal correction is performed to restore the full flow of blood.
After the operation to remove varicose veins, the patient should wear elastic bandage / elastic stockings around the clock (1, 5-2 months). To restore the function of the lower extremities, the doctor prescribes venotonizing drugs.
But it should be noted that this operation is accompanied by a high probability of scarring. Today, the main methods used to perform phlebectomy on the valves of the saphenous vein. Such operations are very effective, but at the same time are complex, and not every specialist owns them.
Rehabilitation after phlebectomy
Recommendations are appointed depending on the degree of varicose veins, overall health, the presence of certain chronic diseases, on the type and volume of the operation.
After the operation, you should bend your legs, move gently, turn around, etc., for a more rapid recovery of leg function.
On the second day after the operation, bandaging is performed using elastic bandage or compression knitwear. This bandage is performed on both legs from the fingers to the knees. You can walk only after dressing. Doctors recommend physical therapy and light massage in order to prevent thrombosis.
Within a week after phlebectomy, do not do gymnastics and aerobics, visit the steam room. On the 8th day, seams are removed and a course of exercise therapy is prescribed, as well as water procedures.
Exercise is especially useful for the elderly. The doctor can prescribe medications for the prevention of thrombosis.
Possible complications after surgery to remove varicose veins
The occurrence of complications is unlikely, but it does exist. The type of complication is determined by the severity of the defeat of veins and other diseases. In the first day, the possibility of bleeding from wounds and bruises is possible. These haemorrhages are completely unwholesome, they arise as a result of the fact that during the operation small vesicles were not bandaged. Bruises dissolve within a week after phlebectomy.
Possible the emergence of thromboembolism - blockage of the arteries due to the separation of the thrombus. This phenomenon occurs as a result of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. This kind of complication is quite rare. The causes of thromboembolism include:
- slowing of blood flow through the veins;
- presence of infection in the wound;
- prolonged bed rest.
In order to prevent the patient, it is necessary to get up already in the first day after the operation, to bandage with elastic bandages, to take medicines to improve blood properties.
As with any operation, after a phlebectomy a relapse is possible. The patient is only removed from the patient's veins and if the prophylactic procedures against varicose veins are not followed, healthy veins may become sick. Therefore, the sooner the treatment is started, the better.
Cosmetic effect depends on the following factors:
- from the stage of varicose veins;
- from features of a venous system of the patient;
- presence / absence of complications of varicose veins.
If the operation is performed at earlier stages of varicose veins, the size of the scars can be minimized. In addition, the cosmetic effect after the operation for the removal of varicose veins depends on the individual predisposition of the skin to the formation of scars. In some people, with serious damage, thin scars form, while others, even with minor injuries, form rough scars.
Miniflebectomy (microflebectomy)
Recently in the centers of phlebology, which are engaged in the treatment of varicose veins, the method of miniblebectomy is becoming increasingly popular.
Miniflebectomy is the removal of veins through small punctures of the skin. This procedure does not require serious incisions, as in phlebectomy. To conduct microflebectomy, you may not need a hospital and general anesthesia. In this case, everything will depend on the stage of varicose veins. Microflebectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis with a minimal dose of local anesthesia.
After the removal of varicose veins in this area, bruises are formed, which will take place within 2-3 weeks. 2 months after microflebectomy, there are no traces of varicose disease and the operation itself.