Laser treatment for varicose veins is a less invasive technique to seal off bulging, uncomfortable and damaged veins and it works better than the standard surgery that involves removing the damaged vessels. Simple laser treatments take care of superficial veins that cause spider veins or varicose veins. Endo Venous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is proven to have excellent success at treating deeper varicose veins, with high rates of long-term results. However, there is a general fear that the laser treatment fails to seal a vein completely, allowing the blood flow to gradually return, causing varicose veins to reappear. To reassure, it has been proven from studies that the chances of veins coming back from the vein that has been treated by laser are very low, between 2 to 5%. The doctors at the venous ulcer treatment in Chennai specialize in varicose vein laser treatment.

Benefits of laser treatment over other techniques for varicose veins
The non-surgical laser treatment technique is a part of the overall comprehensive management program for varicose veins. Laser surgery closes and shrinks the varicose vein and causes scar tissue within the vessel and thus seals off the vein. Once a varicose vein has been closed off from the blood supply, it is permanently treated, the valve cannot reopen and the vein will not become varicose again. Blood then flows through other neighboring veins instead. Laser therapy is a safe and time-proven method without much discomfort to improve the overall appearance of varicose veins and get relief from its symptoms. There are many benefits to use laser treatments for varicose veins that are large or small if done by a certified surgeon. A certified laser surgeon with experience can provide benefits of laser treatment over other techniques that include:

* 98% long term success rates
* Extremely efficacy
* No hospital stay
* Performed at the out-patient clinic
* No general anaesthesia
* No downtime or time away from work

Importance of venous health assessment

A venous health assessment can help detect diseased veins and select appropriate strategies to prevent veins from coming back in the future. Venous health assessment conducted for varicose veins and wound healing treatment in Chennai is comprehensive and consists of 3 main components:

* A detailed study of medical and family history is important to understand every individual’s risk profile for varicose veins.

* A physical examination of the legs is to check if varicose veins are sore, red, and swollen. Laser surgery is best suitable if the skin over the varicose veins is irritated.

* And a duplex ultrasound scan that takes at least 20 minutes per leg. Conducting a detailed scan is to ensure that all abnormal veins are detected and treated.

With the right vein being identified by duplex ultrasound scanning, only the right technique used in the right way can get the best results. This is the reason to make sure that the best assessment is conducted for the best treatments to be recommended based on the results.

Do veins grow back after stripping?
In most areas of surgical removal of a part of the body, it is completely gone and is not expected to grow back again. The reason is that most things that are removed surgically are organs. Veins, unlike organs, are part of the connective tissue of the body and can grow back again after any trauma. Veins are programmed to grow back again as part of the healing process. When varicose veins are removed by stripping technique, the body does not acknowledge that it needs to be removed permanently. The body only understands the process as a trauma that occurred, subsequently allowing it to grow back the veins naturally. When veins grow back again this way, they do not develop valves in them. That is how varicose veins removed by stripping may not give a permanent effect, as the removed veins can grow back again without any valves in them. High ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein have frequently led to new blood vessel growth in the groin area involving pelvic varicose veins.

Source: Phlebology 2015 Sep;30(8):569-72.

Chances of veins to come back after laser treatment
If varicose veins have a chance to return after undergoing laser treatment aimed to permanently fix the abnormal veins, there are direct causes that need to be considered. The causes of varicose veins coming back post-laser treatment can be divided into two broad groups as patient-related factors and doctor/treatment-related factors.

* Patient-related reasons – The risk factors of the patient that were present before the laser treatment will still be present after the procedure. If genetics, age, hormones, or lifestyle habits include being risk factors, there are chances likely to develop one or more new varicose veins at some point in the future. Recurrent varicose veins or abnormal veins to appear again after treatment means that veins that were previously working at the time of the treatment subsequently become varicose. New varicose veins form when more valves fail other parts of the venous system due to disease progression. Losing weight and being more active are ways to avoid getting more varicose veins.

* Treatment-related reasons – An incorrect diagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment. The reappearance of new veins or continued development of the treated vein can be the result. Inadequate treatment of an abnormal vein can lead to strain on surrounding veins, causing damage to these veins making them visible and symptomatic. When concerning veins, it is recommended to consult with the vein experts before a decision on the procedure is taken. Vein specialists who can diagnose and treat the many forms of venous disease are the best experts.

It is important to remember that varicose veins are not a short-term ailment like a virus or infection, and hence, to ensure that the condition remains stable and does not come back, there is a need for a comprehensive assessment and long-term management plan to be instituted. Vein specialists at the venous ulcer treatment in Chennai carefully weigh the benefits and risks of every individual condition before deciding on a treatment plan as the best treatment strategy.

Venous Ulcers – Diagnosis and Treatment

Venous ulcers (also called Statis Ulcers) is a shallow wound that occurs in the lower part of the leg, typically between the calf and the ankle and on to the sides of the leg(s). Venous leg ulcers heal slowly and pose a risk of recurrence if not treated properly.

Poor blood circulation in the legs leads to venous ulcers. Veins carry blood from all parts of the body to the heart. This is a one-way flow of blood and is regulated with valves in veins which restrict the blood flow in other directions. When the valves in the veins (near the legs) are damaged, the blood that is supposed to flow gets blocked in that area. The blocked blood flows into the surrounding tissues and results in breaking down of the tissue resulting in ulcers. As the blood flows into the surrounding areas, the skin in the area turns dark red or purple. The skin may become thick, dry, and itchy as the ulcer develops. In extreme cases, the ulcers may start leaking puss-like fluids.

Risk factors for developing venous leg ulcers

1. Over weight – Being overweight puts tremendous pressure on several parts of the body such as the pelvis and legs. This also puts a heavy load on the blood circulation system.
2. Age – With age, every part of the body becomes less efficient in performing its functions. As the skin of aged people is more fragile, the chances of forming an ulcer are higher.
3. Smoking, lack of physical activities, deep venous thrombosis, and previous leg injuries can also cause venous ulcers on the legs.
4. People suffering from varicose veins, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders are at higher risk of developing venous leg ulcers.

Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

Many times, the ulcers cause no discomfort. But when the ulcers are infected, they can become painful. Symptoms of venous ulcers include:

1. Inflammation of the area of the ulcer
2. Swelling and Aching
3. Itchy and Hard skin
4. Scabbing or flaking
5. Discharge from ulcer.

Diagnosis of Venous Ulcers

Your vascular surgeon usually starts with physical examination of the affected area. He/she will check for symptoms such as swelling of ankles, darkened skin or anything that is leaking out from the affected area. Then your doctor will try to find the root cause of the ulcer. (If the root cause is not found but the ulcer is treated, it is bound to recur after sometime). You need to let your doctor know if you have diabetes, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), Injury to your leg or any previous ulcer. Your doctor will be easily able to make out, if varicose veins are the cause of the ulcer. Your doctor may check the pulse in the ankle region to check for flow of blood through the arteries.

Then, you may be advised to get a Doppler study done which will check the flow of blood through the arteries by comparing the pressure. It is important to do a Doppler study because the treatment of venous ulcers involves using compression bandages or stockings to improve the blood circulation through veins in the legs. If your doctor sees that the blood pressure at the ankle is lower, bandages and stockings may not be advised.

Treatment of venous ulcers

The bottom line of venous ulcer treatment is to improve the blood flow to the affected area.  Antibiotics may be prescribed if your doctor sees that there may be infection that might be the cause of the problem or antibiotics may be given as a pre-emptive measure.

If your doctor puts you onto bandage or stockings, he/she will train you on how to properly wear them and also dress your ulcer. Painkillers may be given to reduce the pain caused at the site.

If the cause of venous ulcers is varicose veins, your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment for varicose veins.  Laser treatment for varicose veins is one popular treatment option employed many vascular surgeons in Chennai and across the world.

Can you ignore venous ulcers?

Ignoring venous ulcers and leaving them untreated can result in serious complications. It is good if you can see your doctor when you experience pain or inflammation of between calf and the ankles on the sides of the legs.

If is important to treat the root cause than getting some over the counter medicines that can help in relieving the symptoms.

References:

http://vascularcenterwf.com/conditions/venous-leg-ulcer/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-ulcer/treatment/