Phlebology-Lymphology

Phlebology

Information about Varicose Vein Disease

This pathology presents a variety of symptoms and signs caused by Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Human bipedalism has led to the development of venous disorders of the lower limbs (legs) we are going to classify according to their different manifestations and therefore, treatments:

Telangiectasias (“spider veins”)

Spider veins are the most superficial manifestation of venous disease. They are often asymptomatic but other times, patients may experience burning, heaviness, pruritos and even cramps. This venous insufficiency manifestation does not imply a significant development of the disease but the symptoms are varied and frequently cause significant esthetic discomfort.

In every venous insufficiency, the patient will be advised to take the necessary measures to enhance the return of blood to the heart, which eases the pressure on your leg veins and therefore improves circulation. However, this does not reduce the chances of getting new varicose veins. In this way, raising your legs while resting, drinking plenty of fluids, taking daily walks and even wearing compression stockings, could help reduce the clinical signs of such condition.

Treatment Options:

Nowadays, sclerotherapy either by direct injection or micro-foam offers the best results. Sclerotherapy can be used in conjunction with transdermal laser in order to reach optimal results.

Technique and Surgical Time:

This type of treatment requires several sessions. The treatment is performed in the doctor's office and requires injections of a solution into the spider veins. A compression bandage is applied for 12 hours and the patient is then able to return to normal activities, having to avoid direct sun exposure during the treatment. The treatment requires 2-3 sessions per week during approximately 3 weeks depending on the extent of disease, which will be clinically appreciated during the previous consultation.

Varicose Vein Surgery

This type of treatment offers a great variety of options depending on the specific pathology of the patient; however, their two more frequent presentations will be summarized next:

Laser Surgery of the Saphenous Vein:

If the saphenous vein, the most important vein of the superficial venous system, is insufficient, it has to be ablated in order to achieve satisfactory long-term results. In this way, the patient is admitted to the hospital to start an IV. The saphenous vein is then cannulated under local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia and a laser fiber is passed through the vein into the femoral vein. In order to perform this procedure, a 2.5-cm incision is made in the inguinal region in order to ligate the tributary veins from the saphenous vein. In this way, the saphenous vein is ablated so as to prevent varicose veins from reoccurring. Eventually, if the vein cannot be cannulated due to several difficulties, a 1-cm incision is made at the ankle in order to find it. The remaining veins will be treated with puncture and passage of laser. This physical method uses electrofulguration in order to ablate the insufficient vein, and in this way, reduce the inflammatory process and prevent the development of bruising allowing a faster return to normal activities.

After the surgery, the patient will need to wear compression bandages and she will be discharged from hospital on the same day. The patient should wear bandages day and night for 24 to 48 hours and from time to time for 15 to 10 days until the bruising and inflammation fades.

Tributary Veins Surgery:

When the saphenous vein appears to be undamaged, but there are varicose veins that should be treated by surgery because of the number and enlargement, the selective treatment of varicose veins is performed combining microsurgery with the selective laser in order to ablate them.  This surgery takes roughly the same amount of time, being recovery time usually faster.

Last Update: 10/29/2009
Note: This information is directed to support and not to replace your doctor opinion.