Varicose veins are an abnormal dilation of the veins, most often appearing in the legs. The essence of varicose veins is that the venous valves in the veins (especially in the lower extremities) do not function properly, hence blood cannot flow back to the heart effectively but instead begins to pool in the veins, leading to their dilation and the formation of the characteristic bulging and twisted varicose veins.
Varicose vein surgeries
What are varicose veins and what causes them?
Diseases of the venous system most often affect the lower extremities. There are two main venous networks in the legs, the superficial and deep venous systems, which are connected by the so-called perforating veins. The so-called deep veins are located between the muscles, while the superficial veins run under the skin. In a healthy state, blood flows from the superficial veins to the deep veins and from there to the heart. This flow is assisted by the musculovenous (skeletal muscle) pump, and venous valves ensure that the blood does not flow back.
When these one-way valves do not close properly, blood begins to flow backward. This increases pressure in the superficial veins, causing them to dilate and become tortuous. The increased pressure and valve insufficiency damage the vein walls, making the walls of the small veins and capillaries more permeable. This allows more fluid and waste products to leak into the surrounding tissues, which can further aggravate the symptoms.
The primary form of varicose veins is caused by the insufficiency of the valves, which may be due to a congenital weakness of the connective tissues. If this is the case, other symptoms of connective tissue weakness may also be observed in patients, such as flat feet, and the presence of hemorrhoids and hernias. The accumulation of these pathologies and their more frequent occurrence in given families may also be observed. The secondary form of varicose veins is when the inadequate closure of the valves develops due to a blockage in the deep venous system. In both cases, the same symptoms develop.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The primary form of varicose veins is caused by a malfunction of the venous valves, often due to a hereditary predisposition of connective tissue weakness. In such cases, patients often have other connective tissue issues, such as flat feet, hemorrhoids or hernias, which often occur together within a family. Secondary varicose veins develop when the insufficiency of the venous valves does not occur independently, but as the result of an underlying medical condition such as a deep vein occlusion.
Initial symptoms:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs – especially in the evening, or after prolonged standing or sitting
- Feeling fatigue, swelling in the legs
- Leg tension, mild muscle cramps, especially at night
- Itching in the varicose areas
- Appearance of tiny spider veins or spider-web-like dilated blood vessels on the surface of the skin
In more advanced stages:
- Bulging, bluish-purple, twisted veins
- Swelling of the legs (ankles, calves), especially in the evening
- Skin discoloration, dark brown or purple spots around the ankles
- Hardening of the skin, thinning along the veins
- Skin inflammation, eczema-like symptoms
In more serious cases:
- Leg ulcers – open wounds that are difficult to heal
- Superficial phlebitis – painful, red lumps along the veins
- Blood clots (risk of thrombosis)
Treatment of varicose veins
Moderate varicose veins, spider veins, reticular veins or trunk varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy, which is a drug treatment administered directly into the blood vessels to cause the affected blood vessel to close and fade. For more extensive and advanced varicose veins, the modern surgical solution is the complete removal of the main superficial vein and its branches, the removal of the dilated veins and the ligation (tying off) of the veins connecting the deep and superficial veins (crossectomy, stripping, phlebectomy, perforating venous insufficiency). After surgery, treatment can be supplemented with sclerotherapy.
How is varicose vein surgery performed?
A small incision is made under the inguinal ligament to expose the confluence of the superficial and deep venous systems. The superficial veins are ligated and cut. The superficial main vein is located above the inner ankle, and a varicose vein stripper is inserted into it to remove this vein. The previously marked side branches are removed with a crochet hook-type tool. The two wounds are closed with absorbable sutures, and an elastic bandage is applied.
What happens after varicose vein surgery?
The day after surgery, the bandages are removed, and the patient can leave after donning compression stockings. Injections to prevent thrombosis are routinely administered. After surgery, the wounds should not be exposed to water for 5 days, after which you can shower without a bandage. Wearing compression stockings is recommended for 4-6 weeks. A check-up is due 7 days after surgery.
Varicose vein surgery fee
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WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly trained specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. The goal of our surgical care is to provide comprehensive care to patients and the highest level of treatment.
- Personalized care. At our specialist appointments, we create an individual treatment plan for each of our patients, considering individual needs and conditions.
- Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating theaters and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards together with an exclusive environment that aids recovery in safety and with complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.
For all your varicose vein complaints, contact the surgeons of Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.