Varicose vein surgery is among the most commonly performed kinds of surgery. Varicose veins surgery involves surgical removal of the damaged vein altogether. Traditional surgery, for a long time, has been considered the most effective way to remove varicose veins. This surgery has been performed for over a century with the drawback of the long recovery time that it requires and the high rates of postsurgical ill effects. Surgery can improve symptoms of the varicose vein but with risk of side effects and in some cases, serious complications too. Varicose veins treatment in Chennai has evolved with the latest least invasive developments in medicine and technology that provide cost-effective procedures as valuable options with multiple benefits for patients with varicose veins.
There are safe and effective non-surgical procedures for varicose veins
Surgery is not the only treatment option for varicose veins. New treatments and techniques without the need for surgical incisions and general anaesthesia are now available. Non-surgical procedures of varicose vein treatment involve closure of the vein using heat or a special foam. Closing the varicose vein works effectively without the vein being stripped because it does not affect the blood supply to the legs as blood gets redirected and healthy veins take over the function of transporting the blood instead. Ways to close varicose veins include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, Endo Venous Laser Ablation (EVLT), Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and venaseal techniques. In comparison to conventional surgery, these procedures are less likely to lead to complications. Venous closure procedures are hence being preferred and used more often in the treatment of varicose veins.
Surgery for varicose veins is more invasive
Traditional surgery for varicose veins is performed under general anaesthetic in the operation theatre making it a more invasive treatment option with higher risks than other treatment procedures. Following are the two complex procedures of surgery used commonly for the removal of varicose veins.
Vein stripping and ligation involve making two incisions, the first one at the top of the leg just below the groin and the other one behind the knee or at the ankle depending on the length of the vein involved. At the top incision, ligation is made where the vein is first tied off or clamped to block the blood supply. Through the lower incision, a long wire is inserted into the vein and pushed up through the vein. With the help of a button-like cap attached to secure the lower end of the wire, the entire damaged length of the vein is stripped along with the wire pulled out through the incision near the groin. If smaller veins are also to be removed, local anaesthetic is applied to the leg and smaller incisions are made along the leg to strip them.
Phlebectomy is the surgery used to remove superficial veins. This technique is mainly used for smaller veins, which are branches of the larger veins. In comparison to the process of stripping and ligation, this is a much smaller procedure. In this surgery, several very small incisions are made along the affected vein to pull the vein out as far as possible using a hook. The vein that is pulled is cut and removed in several small pieces. This procedure minimizes scarring that can occur when bigger cuts are made to remove larger veins. Both stripping and phlebectomy may be performed together if necessary.
Drawbacks of surgery for varicose veins
Pain wound infections, bleeding, swelling, scarring and discoloration of the skin are the main discomforts and side effects after surgery for varicose veins. Bruises or tenderness may last for several weeks and the scars from the incisions may remain visible for a period of a year. One of the other side effects is experienced by about 15% of people who have undergone varicose vein surgery. Thrombosis or nerve damage, though rare, are other serious complications. Bandages or compression stockings will be needed to be worn for up to ten days after surgery to assist with circulation. Moreover, a study revealed that 30 out of 100 people had developed new varicose veins two years after surgery. Getting discharged from the hospital may be possible on the same day of the surgery, but the swelling and wound usually take a while to reduce and heal. Getting back to work may take up to three or more weeks after surgery.
Advantages of Non-surgical procedures for varicose veins
Non-surgical treatment techniques at best vein hospitals including the laser vein hospital near me offer comprehensive treatment programs to treat varicose veins. The benefits of laser treatment to patients are:
- – Performed as an outpatient procedure
- – Same-day discharge
- – 98% success rate
- – Highly effective
- – No general anesthesia
- – No incision
- – No healing time
- – No visible scars
- – Quick recovery
- – No time away from work
The advantage of least invasive techniques lies in the way how the vein is shut. These treatment options are able to address vein problems for large as well as small veins. These techniques use a form of energy to ignite the inserted fiber or a sealant to seal the vein from within, requiring only local anaesthetic and the vein is allowed to dissolve within the body with no need for the vein to be stripped out. This makes it safe and effective with faster recovery in the treatment of varicose veins. Surgery for varicose veins is a more invasive surgical procedure with high risks and time consuming, least invasive techniques being performed as outpatient procedures are well accepted by patients and doctors. Surgery is generally not necessary alongside unless in extreme rare severe cases where a vein specialist will advise the right approach.
Deciding the best treatment for varicose veins
The best choice of procedure will depend on several factors to consider before the decision.
- – Age and overall health
- – Extent of varicose veins
- – Severity of symptoms
- – Suitability of specific procedures
- – Goals and opinions on the treatment
- – Future expectations
An assessment of the above factors at the varicose vein laser treatment in Chennai can guide if laser treatment would be the best suitable option.