Varicose Veins Surgery - Procedure, Types & Side Effects

Did you know that continuous sitting or standing can cause bulging veins on the leg? This condition can cause discomfort and lead to cosmetic concerns. While it can be mostly managed at home, treatments like varicose vein surgery can provide long-term solutions. 

But is this surgery painful? Are there any varicose vein surgery complications to look out for? Keep reading to get the answers and explore more about this necessary procedure!

Varicose vein surgery is a medical procedure to treat enlarged, twisted veins that often appear blue or dark purple. They are commonly found in the legs. The condition occurs when the valves within the veins weaken or fail. It causes blood to pool and the vessels to become swollen.

The procedure improves the blood flow by removing or closing off the affected veins through different techniques. It aims to enhance both the cosmetic appearance and the overall health of individuals.

Conditions Treated with Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose vein surgery is primarily used to treat varicose veins, but it can also address related conditions and symptoms like swelling and discomfort. Other issues commonly treated are as follows:

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is when damaged valves in the veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently. This leads to pooling and swelling in the legs.

2. Venous Ulcers are open sores that develop on the legs. They can be improved by restoring proper blood flow through surgery.

3. Spider Veins are smaller, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin's surface. They can often be treated alongside varicose veins during surgery. 

Varicose vein surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from symptomatic bulges in the legs. It has an overall patient satisfaction rate of 89%.  The key advantages of major techniques include:

1. Enhanced Appearance: Varicose vein surgery can improve the appearance of the legs by reducing the bulging, twisted veins, leading to smoother and healthier-looking skin.

2. Short Recovery Time: Many modern varicose vein surgeries offer shorter recovery than traditional surgical methods.

3. Long-term Results: Whether through minimally invasive procedures like EVLA or traditional surgeries like vein stripping, varicose vein surgery offers long-lasting results. It minimises the likelihood of vein recurrence.

4. Customised Treatment: Surgeons can tailor the type of surgery to the specific needs and conditions of the patient, ensuring optimal outcomes.

5. Improved Quality of Life: The surgery can improve both physical symptoms and cosmetic concerns of varicose veins, enhancing quality of life.

Preparing for varicose vein surgery involves several steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. This is how the process usually takes place:

Before Surgery 

Before the surgery, patients undergo pre-operative assessments and receive instructions that would make the procedure smooth and effective.

On the Day of Surgery

Patients arrive at the surgical facility and undergo pre-surgery procedures before the scheduled treatment. The factors involved are:

There are various types of varicose vein surgery to improve blood flow. The major treatment approaches include:

1. Vein Ligation and Stripping: This traditional surgical approach involves tying off and removing the affected vein through small incisions. It's used for severe cases of varicose veins.

2. Endovenous Ablation Therapy: This minimally invasive method uses heat energy (radiofrequency or laser) to close off affected veins from within. It's performed by inserting a catheter into the vessels under ultrasound guidance. It results in less pain and faster recovery.

3. Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy: TIPP is a specialised technique that combines light-guided visualisation with powered vein removal. It involves making 1 or 2 small cuts on the leg. A special illuminated probe is inserted through these incisions to see the vein structure. Powered instruments are then used to remove the affected vein segments.

4. Sclerotherapy: This non-surgical option involves injecting a special solution directly into the varicose veins. It causes them to collapse and eventually fade away. This method is often used for smaller varicose or spider veins.

5. VenaSeal: It is another minimally invasive technique to treat the condition. A medical adhesive seals off the affected vein.

The varicose vein surgery takes 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the technique. The following is the recovery process

The Recovery Process in Hospital 

Varicose vein surgery is a daycare procedure where patients are not required to stay overnight in the hospital. The factors to expect during the recovery process in the hospital are:

1. Monitoring vital signs like pulse rate and body temperature.

2. Pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers are provided to manage any discomfort.

3. Gradual mobilisation and walking with assistance to promote circulation.

4. Instructions regarding compression stockings and activity restrictions.

Recovery Process/Expectation After Hospital Discharge 

Following discharge, patients continue their recovery at home, focusing on activities to promote healing. These include: 

1. Continued use of compression stockings for up to two weeks.

2. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 14 days.

3. Manage pain and discomfort with prescribed medications

4. Following specific wound care instructions, like regularly cleaning the area with warm, soapy water and patting it dry. 

First Follow-Up Appointment

The average varicose vein surgery recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, there will be scheduled visits to the doctor. This is how the process goes:

1. Assessment of surgical site healing and overall recovery progress

2. Evaluation of symptoms and any potential complications

3. Discussion of further treatment options or additional interventions if needed

4. Guidance on long-term management and preventive measures

Risks and Complications of Varicose Vein Surgery

The overall rate of serious and mild complications following varicose vein surgery is 0.8% and 17%, respectively. The varicose vein surgery complications are listed below.

1. Excessive bleeding during or after surgery

2. Risk of infection at the surgical site

3. Damage to nearby nerves during surgery can result in numbness and tingling

4. Development of blood clots

Untreated varicose veins, or even an incorrect diagnosis, can result in hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening and discolouration of the skin. Other complications may also occur that can impact both the individual's health and quality of life. These include:

1. Progression of Symptoms: Varicose veins may worsen over time, leading to increased pain, swelling, and discomfort.

2. Complications: Delaying surgery can increase the risk of developing other conditions. These may involve skin ulcers, blood clots, and chronic venous insufficiency.

3. Cosmetic Concerns: The appearance of affected vessels may worsen with time, causing self-consciousness and dissatisfaction.

The varicose vein surgery cost can be affected by factors such as the type of procedure and the extent of treatment needed. The estimated cost ranges of major approaches are:

Note: The figures provided above are approximated. For up-to-date information, contact HexaHealth.

Factors that may affect the cost of varicose vein surgery include:

1. Type of Procedure: The cost can be influenced by the specific surgical technique used, such as vein ligation, stripping, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

2. Severity of the Condition: The extent and severity of the varicose veins being treated can impact the complexity of the surgery. Consequently, it can affect the prices.

3. Anaesthesia: The type of sedation used during the procedure, whether local or general, can impact the total bill.

4. Insurance Coverage: This may vary depending on the individual's policy and the medical necessity of the procedure. Some plans may cover varicose vein surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. On the other hand, others may consider it a cosmetic procedure and provide limited or no coverage.

5. Pre-operative Testing: Additional diagnostic examinations, such as ultrasound imaging, may be necessary before surgery, which can increase the overall cost.

Varicose vein surgery offers a range of options catering to individual needs, from traditional surgical methods to minimally invasive procedures. It ultimately improves the quality of life for individuals affected by this common vascular condition.

If you or your loved one needs this treatment, HexaHealth can be a valuable partner. We make varicose vein surgery cost accessible for everyone. Get in touch!

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