Varicose Vein Surgery

  Download Brochure

• itch
  
  
• throb
  
  
• ache
  
  
• cramp
  
  
• ankle swelling
  
  
• heaviness in the leg especially at the end of the day
  
  
• feel restless

1. Thrombophlebitis – this occurs when the varicose veins become painful and reddened. The skin over your varicose vein may also feel warm and tender. The symptoms are caused by inflammation, or a blockage in the vein. Thrombophlebitis if less serious than a blockage in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis DVT), and is usually easy to treat. Your treatment may include the following:
   • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - these will help to reduce the inflammation and help alleviate pain. However, these drugs are not suitable for people with asthma, or a history of stomach, heart, kidney, or liver problems.
   • Analgesics - also known as "painkillers", these will help to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
   • Anticoagulants - this type of medicine thins the blood, and stops cots from forming, which could block the vein.
   • Thrombolytics - these drugs will help to dissolve any existing clots which are causing blockages in your veins.
   • Raise your legs - keeping your affected leg raised will reduce any swelling.
   • Apply moist heat - applying a hot flannel to the affected area may reduce inflammation and ease pain.
   • Keep pressure off - try to keep your affected leg uncovered, avoid any direct pressure to the affected limb.
2. Bleeding – varicose veins which form near the surface of your skin can sometimes bleed if you cut or bump your leg. You may find the bleeding difficult to stop. You should lie down, raise your leg, and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek medical help immediately if the bleeding does not stop.
3. Chronic venous insufficiency – If the blood in your veins does not flow properly, it can interfere with the way that your skin exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waste products with the blood. If this exchange is disrupted over a long period of time, it is known as chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes cause other conditions to develop. These include:
   • Varicose eczema - this is when the skin around your varicose vein becomes brown. Sometimes, this dicolouration can be permanent.
   • Venous ulcers - a venous ulcer develops when there is increased pressure in the veins of the lower leg. This causes fluid to seep from your vein and collect under the skin. This fluid an cause the skin to thicken, swell and eventually break down to form an ulcer.

• To ease symptoms – if your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort, you may want to consider treatment to ease the symptoms.




• Complications – you may require treatment if your varicose veins cause you to develop complications, such as leg ulcers, swelling or skin discolouration.




• Cosmetic reasons – despite having no symptoms at all, some people want their varicose veins remove for cosmetic reasons.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery– large varicose veins may have to be surgically removed. Most surgeons use a technique called ligation and stripping which involves tying off, and then removing the affected vein in the leg. During the surgery a small 3-4 cm incision is made in the groin area and/or behind the knee. The underlying vein and its connections with the deep veins of the leg are identified. All of the associated superficial branches are carefully cut and tied and the superficial vein itself is tied and divided at its junction with the deep vein. This part of the surgery is very important since it corrects the underlying cause of the varicose veins. Surgical stripping of the superficial veins is normally carried out in conjunction with ligation of the veins in the groin. This reduces the risk of future recurrence. Surgical removal of large varicose veins is usually carried out. This involves making a series of tiny stab incisions over the veins and avulsing (pulling out) sections of vein with fine forceps. Blood flow in your legs will not be affected by surgery. This is because the veins which are situated deep within your legs take over the role of the damaged veins.
  
• Injection – sclerotherapy is usually suitable for people who have small to medium sized varicose veins. The treatment involves a chemical solution being injected into these veins which causes them to scar and close. Sclerotherapy can cause side effects including blood clots in other leg veins, headache, fainting ad temporary vision problems. Sclerotherapy has been proven to be effective, however, recurrence of varicose veins is more likely to happen with injections than surgery.


• Compression stockings – these are designed to support your legs and help to improve your circulation. They may help to ease any pain, discomfort or swelling in your legs caused by varicose veins, however they will not cure your varicose veins or stop new ones from forming.


• Radiofrequency ablation – a small tube is passed into the veins and heats the wall of the varicose veins using radio frequency energy. The vein is heated until it collapses and closes. Once your vein collapses, your blood will naturally be directed to one of your healthy veins. This treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic.


• Endovenous laser treatment – is when a fine tube is inserted into the veins and laser light is used to shrink them. This procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. Afterwards, you may feel some tightness in your leg and the affected areas may be bruised and painful.

• After surgery, it is possible to develop a blood clot (DVT) in the deep veins in the leg. In most cases this is treatable, but it can be a life-threatening condition. Compression stockings and blood thinning agents may be used to prevent DVT.
  
  
• Damages to the nerves in the skin, resulting in small numb patches on your legs. The feeling usually returns, but may take a few weeks or months.
  
  
• Rarely, nerve damage near the knee can affect movement in the ankle which may be permanent.
  
  
• Occasionally hard, tender lumps appear near the scars or along the line of the removed veins. These usually disappear after several weeks. Rarely, small patches of brown skin appear where the veins were removed.
  
  
• There is a chance that the varicose vein will re-occur in other veins.
  

• Most people describe the leg as sore and uncomfortable when they get home. The symptoms increase steadily from the second postoperative day and are usually at their worst on the 8th-10th postoperative day. The discomfort usually resolves 12-14 days after the operation.
  
  
• Often no painkillers are required at all.
  
  
• Occasionally, usually when there is phlebitis, the leg will be painful. The pain will may last for up to three weeks in this situation.
  
  
• Regular daily exercise such as going for a walk or using an exercise bike to provide a gradual return to normal activity is recommended.
  
  
• To rest up after the operation raises the risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Regular exercise reduces this risk, but makes the leg more uncomfortable.
  
  
• Driving: You will be able to drive within 48 hours of the operation provided the leg is not too uncomfortable.
  
  
• Bathing: You can bath or shower within 48 hours of operation. Sometimes bathing or showering immediately after surgery may lead to bleeding from the smaller incisions.
  
  
• Work: You should be able to return to work within 1-3 weeks of surgery depending on your job. Your Surgeon will advise you with this.
  
  
• Lifting: There are no limitations in this area.
  
  
• Medicines: You will usually be sent home with some painkillers. You will be advised on their use before you leave hospital.
  

• Excessive pain in your legs, even after taking painkillers
  
  
• Bleeding
  
  
• Numbness or discolouration of the foot
  
  
• Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
  
  
• A fever or high temperature of over 39° centigrade or 102.2° Fahrenheit
  
  
• Chills
  
  
• A persistent cough or shortness of breath
  
  
• Redness surrounding your incisions.