Varicose Veins / Vascular Surgery

What is Varicose Vein Surgery and How is It Treated?

Varicose vein surgery is a surgical procedure performed to treat enlarged and twisted veins in the legs. These veins can prevent blood from returning properly, causing pain, swelling, and cosmetic problems. Varicose vein surgery is performed to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is Varicose Vein Surgery?

Varicose vein surgery involves surgical interventions to treat enlarged and damaged veins in the legs. These types of surgeries are usually performed to relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms caused by varicose veins. To diagnose varicose veins, a healthcare professional will first examine your legs, during which you may be asked to stand to check for swelling in your legs. You may also be asked to describe any aches and pains you are experiencing.

To confirm the diagnosis, a venous Doppler ultrasound, a painless test that evaluates blood flow in the legs, is usually used. This ultrasound test helps detect varicose veins and possible blood clots by examining how well the vein valves manage blood flow. After this diagnostic process, appropriate treatment methods are determined and varicose veins are treated with surgery.

What is Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are abnormal expansion and twisting of the superficial veins. This condition occurs when the valves in the veins weaken, causing blood to leak backwards. It is most commonly seen in the legs and can cause discomfort such as pain, burning, and itching, as well as aesthetic concerns.

When Should Varicose Vein Surgery Be Considered?

The situations in which varicose vein surgery is required depend on the severity of the varicose veins and the symptoms experienced by the patient. If varicose veins cause pain, leg swelling, skin changes or varicose ulcers, surgical intervention should be considered. In addition, aesthetic concerns or situations where other treatment methods have failed may also require surgical intervention.

Do People of All Ages Get Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are usually seen in adults and the elderly, but can affect people of all ages. They are more common in people with a family history of varicose veins and in individuals who stand or sit for long periods of time. However, genetic factors, pregnancy, and obesity can also increase the risk of developing varicose veins.

How is the Examination Performed in Varicose Vein Surgery?

In varicose vein surgery, the examination involves a series of examinations to assess the condition and severity of varicose veins in the patient's legs. First, the healthcare professional examines the patient's legs while standing. This position is intended to make the varicose veins in the legs more visible and to detect any swelling. The patient is also instructed to provide information about any pain or discomfort they feel in their legs.

For a more detailed examination, a test called a venous Doppler ultrasound is usually performed. This ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through the veins in your legs. This painless test is used to see how well the valves in your veins are managing blood flow and to detect possible blood clots. This can help determine the degree of varicose veins and the most appropriate approach to treatment.

Treatment Methods Used in Varicose Vein Surgery

The treatment methods used in varicose vein surgery vary depending on the patient's condition and the severity of varicose veins. If self-care measures and compression stockings are not sufficient or if varicose veins are more advanced, the healthcare professional may recommend surgery or other procedures:

• Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, a healthcare professional injects a solution or foam into the varicose veins. This solution seals the vein and causes it to disappear over time. Sometimes, more than one injection may be needed for the same vein. Sclerotherapy does not require general anesthesia and can be performed in a clinical setting.
• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment uses powerful bursts of light to gradually fade varicose veins and eventually become invisible. This method does not involve any incisions or needles.
• Catheter-Based Procedures: This procedure is usually preferred for larger varicose veins. A healthcare professional inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein. The tip of the catheter is heated with radiofrequency or laser energy. As the catheter is withdrawn, the heat causes the vein to close and cease to function.
• High Ligation and Vein Stripping: This procedure involves tying off a varicose vein where it joins a deep vein and then removing it through small incisions. For most people, this is an outpatient procedure.
• Ambulatory Phlebotomy: This procedure involves removing smaller varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. Only the leg area is numbed, and the procedure usually leaves minimal scarring.

These treatment methods help to effectively treat varicose veins while directing blood flow through healthy veins. Treatment options should be evaluated together with the doctor and the most appropriate method should be selected according to the patient's needs.

What is Varicose Ulcer?

Varicose ulcers are hard-to-heal wounds that usually form on the legs, around varicose veins. These wounds occur as a result of poor circulation caused by varicose veins and carry a risk of infection. Varicose ulcers are usually treated with surgical intervention and wound care.