Varicose vein surgery
Varicose veins are veins which are abnormally dilated; they become twisted and stop working properly. They may cause problems associated with poor venous circulation (a sensation of heaviness, swollen legs, ulcers), or they may simply be a cosmetic problem. Varicose veins are caused by hereditary factors in 50% of cases, but many other elements play a role in their development, such as exposure to heat, prolonged sitting or standing, lack of physical activity, excess weight or hormonal changes. One in two women will develop varicose veins during their lifetime. The optimum treatment is selected following a comprehensive examination and ultrasound imaging. The imagining procedure uses Doppler ultrasound to measure the speed at which blood flows through the veins and to detect the leaking valves responsible for the varicosities. The diagnosis is made in consultation with an angiologist.
A number of different treatments may be considered:
- Sclerotherapy: A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear from view – for spider veins or localized varicosities.
- Phlebotomy: Removal of sections of vein under local anaesthetic – for localized varicosities.
- Surgical stripping: Complete removal of the major vein and the damaged valve. Surgical techniques are evolving all the time, and it is now possible to remove the vein through micro-incisions, producing an excellent cosmetic result.
- Endovenous laser therapy: This is a new technique which destroys the major vein with thermal energy delivered through a laser fibre. The fibre is introduced into the vein by puncturing the skin or through a micro-incision.
