Why is this procedure done?
Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins often found in the legs. Veins have valves to help blood get back to the heart. Valves stop blood from flowing backwards. ‚
Varicose veins happen when the valves break or do not work. Some of the blood backs up and stays where it is in the lower legs instead of going back up to the heart. When there is too much blood, the vein bulges. You can easily see this bulge through your skin. ‚
Some varicose veins are not painful and you may just live with them. If varicose veins are painful, they may be treated with milder treatments or surgery. ‚
Reasons to treat varicose veins include: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent problems like swelling and skin ulcers
- Improve the look of your legs
There are a number of ways to get rid of varicose veins. Some use lasers or other forms of heat to get rid of the vein. Surgery is used less often. ‚
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What will the results be?
- Pain goes away
- Blood flow improves
- Varicose veins lighten and will be less noticeable, but may not fully disappear
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
Sclerotherapy ‚
- You are not put to sleep for this procedure. You may feel some pain from the needle used to inject the solution.
- The staff will ask you to lie on your back. They will clean the skin area with alcohol or a special soap.
- The doctor will inject a special liquid in the damaged vein. This will shrink the vein and stop the blood flow in the vein.
- The doctor will apply pressure on the injection site to prevent bleeding. There could be a number of injections if there is more than one vein.
- You may need follow-up treatments every 4 to 6 weeks to fully shrink the veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation ‚
- Once you are in the procedure room, you will be given a drug to relax you. The doctor will use pain drugs around your vein to keep you pain free during the procedure.
- The doctor will make a cut in the damaged vein and put a tube into it.
- The doctor will apply heat to the vein. This will close and shrink the vein.
- The doctor will apply pressure to the cut to prevent bleeding. The doctor will cover your cut with bandages.
Laser Therapy ‚
- You will wear special glasses to protect your eyes during the treatment.
- The doctor will apply a numbing drug to the area.
- The doctor will apply laser energy to the varicose vein. This shrinks and closes the vein.
- You may feel slight tingling or a strong burning feeling during the treatment.
Surgery ‚
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- The doctor will make a cut near the top and bottom part of the varicose vein. The cuts may be near the groin and the calf on your leg.
- The doctor will put a thin, flexible plastic wire into your vein and remove it.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches and cover it with a bandage.
What happens after the procedure?
The doctor will wrap your legs with bandages to reduce the swelling. Follow your doctors orders. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will wear thick, support stockings over your legs. You may need to wear these for a period of time to get the best results.
- Take short walks often. Try to exercise regularly. This may help improve blood flow. Ask your doctor what activity is right for you.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work and driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may have an ultrasound to check your progress.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Varicose veins may return
- Bruising
- Nerve damage
- Skin over the vein may be lighter or darker than your normal skin color
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Sclerotherapy_varicose_and_spider_veins ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Varicose_vein_surgery ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vv/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/varicose-veins/pages/whatarevaricoseveins.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚