Varicose veins on the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of the dilated veins of the lower extremities was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure is summarized in the introduction of a special light guide in the vessels, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick together and blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we are considering alternative therapies, then:
- classic venous removal (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications.
- Removal of only part of the diseased vein (microvelectomy) leaves scars on the skin.
- Sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Considering the listed disadvantages, which is missing from the laser, is the treatment of varicose veins with laser which is rightly called the best choice of the existing ones. Doctors have been using this method for more than 10 years and during this period, laser coagulation did not cause any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but given the efficiency of the process, it is very likely that the required amount will be accumulated or a loan will be taken.
Indications for laser coagulation
The procedure is indicated in the presence of dilated large and small clear veins. In addition, the extension of the vascular layer should not exceed 1 cm and the veins themselves should be mostly uniform, without sharp turns. The branches of the veins must be either healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the early stages of varicose veins, when the severity is low and this only applies to the superficial veins. As for the veins that dilate more than 1 cm, they can be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk in the future that the vessel will come off again and all the processing will be lost.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative effects on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in the event of significant damage to blood vessels and deep veins, the laser is not effective. In such cases, choose one of the classic methods mentioned above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
Except in the cases mentioned above, when the technique becomes ineffective, intravascular laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it may harm the patient. There are several contraindications and all are divided into relevant and absolute.
The relevant ones include those contraindications that only at this time do not allow the operation to be performed. It can be burns and inflammation of the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathologies. It is necessary to treat the current problem and then proceed with the laser vein removal. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered related contraindications, as during this period the body is weakened and the load on the legs is high. Due to the congestion of the veins of the lower extremities, the operation is not performed on obese people - possible complications.
The absolute include those contraindications, due to which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following situations:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels.
- disturbed lymph and blood flow to the legs.
- thrombophlebitis and tendency to thrombosis.
In such situations, the laser can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications are related to people's lifestyle - if it is not possible to actively move and use compression underwear in the future (after surgery), then the vessel may become inflamed and treatment may be ineffective.
How the process is done
Laser treatment of varicose veins on the legs is performed on an external basis. General and local anesthesia are not needed, as the area of influence is very small and the procedure takes place inside the blood vessel. If necessary, you can take a sedative on a doctor's recommendation if you are afraid of surgery. The essence of the process:
- a small incision is made in the skin of the foot through which a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This component will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength.
- due to radiation, blood is pushed out of the damaged vein.
- under the influence of the laser, the walls of the vessel stick together, blood no longer circulates here.
Laser treatment usually lasts up to 90 minutes. After the damaged veins are sealed, the blood is directed through deep veins inside the muscles. After such a procedure, there are no scars or hematomas.
Benefits of laser treatment
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages. Everyone should know the main advantages:
- you do not need to go to the hospital, as the procedure is performed on an external basis, the same day you can go home.
- The procedure gives the best cosmetic result, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin, which will then heal without scars and scars.
- Modern laser equipment disperses the radiation well, which allows high quality treatment inside the vessel. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- It is possible to remove veins directly on both legs.
- the recovery period is very fast and painless. An hour after the procedure, you can go home and after a few days - live the same life.
Considering the mentioned advantages of the procedure, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins with the use of laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. After that, there is no thrombophlebitis and secondary infection, scarring and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Any medical treatment has, in addition to advantages and disadvantages. When removing leg veins, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. More specifically, before the procedure, you should be familiar with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- a severe stage of varicose veins is not treated with laser.
- with a large diameter of the damaged vessel, laser treatment is combined with surgery and one can not do without incisions and scars on the skin.
- Laser treatment of varicose veins involves the use of compression stockings for a week (at least) after surgery, something that not everyone likes.
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high prices for laser surgeries.
Once you have weighed the pros and cons mentioned, you can discuss with your doctor how to best treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Reform
There are no specific measures to restore health after laser vein coagulation. The patient quickly returns to normal life. No hospitalization is required, as is bed rest. The same can be said for taking antibiotics, physiotherapy procedures and tightly tied legs, like the mummy - the modern procedure is completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to get up gradually. First you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can get up on your feet. Steep rise after an hour lying on the couch is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when transferring his weight to them. The only thing that can bother you is a slight tingling in the spot on the foot from which the light guide was inserted. As long as there is no pain syndrome, then you do not need to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the recovery period will be the use of compression stockings. The duration of use of such underwear and the degree of compression should be discussed with the physician separately. Thanks to the compression sock, the swelling is eliminated and the blood flow through the superficial veins is stopped, their role is taken over by the deep blood vessels. Pre-purchased compression garments are placed on the patient's feet directly in the operating room after the end of the laser coagulation.
For the first 2 days after the procedure, the compression sock is left on the feet even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor and removed at night. Considering that the compression tights will warm the body, it is good to do the procedure during the cold season. This way you can avoid the hassle and need to wear tights on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that should not be done with varicose veins after the operation is weight lifting. During the first week, it is not desirable to visit the sauna and steam bath in the bath. In the future, you can safely walk long distances, drive a car and do your usual activities.
The general recommendations for all those who have experienced varicose veins on the legs are the following:
- Check your body weight, as extra pounds are a burden on your spine, heart and blood vessels.
- avoid static stops. If your professional activity includes prolonged sitting or standing posture, you should take breaks and warm up from time to time.
- you can not sit with your legs crossed - this constricts the blood vessels.
- Smoking must be stopped forever.
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high.
- normalize your daily routine by completing it with daily walks and regular exercise.
By following the recommendations mentioned, you can prolong the result of the operation for a long time.