Varicose vein surgery: types, how it is done and recovery

Surgery for varicose veins is used when other forms of non-invasive treatment, such as diet or the use of compression stockings, for example, have failed to eliminate or disguise the varicose veins, which continue to cause discomfort and aesthetic changes to the legs.

There are several types of surgery to remove varicose veins from the legs, however, none is definitive, and varicose veins can appear again, especially if care is not taken to control weight and improve blood circulation, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising. physical regularly.

Surgery for varicose veins is performed by an angiologist or vascular surgeon, and different surgical methods may be indicated, such as foam injection, radiofrequency ablation, laser or vein removal, which varies according to the general health status, size and location of the veins. varicose veins. Learn more about the treatment options available for varicose veins.

Main surgeries for varicose veins

The main surgeries for varicose veins are:

1. Varicose vein microsurgery

Varicose vein microsurgery, also known as outpatient phlebectomy, is performed in the vascular surgeon’s office using local anesthesia. In this surgery, the doctor makes small cuts over the varicose veins and removes the vessels that are causing the more superficial varicose veins.

This surgery allows you to remove small or medium-sized varicose veins, and although you can return home on the same day as the surgery, it is recommended to rest for up to 7 days to allow the cuts to heal properly.

Make an appointment with a vascular surgeon in your nearest region:

2. Ligation and removal of varicose veins

Varicose vein ligation and removal is a type of surgery in which the doctor ties off and removes the damaged veins in the legs that cause varicose veins.

This type of surgery is performed with 2 small cuts, one in the groin and the other in the leg, and the recovery time is around 3 weeks.

3. Endolaser thermoablation

Endolaser thermal ablation is a less invasive surgery than conventional surgery to remove the saphenous vein.

This type of surgery is performed with local anesthesia, using an echo-doppler to locate the affected vessel and then inserting a laser into the vein, which generates energy and thus destroys the affected vessel.

The recovery time from this surgery is quick, and generally the next day, the person can return to work and daily activities.

4. Removal of the saphenous vein

This operation is also known as traditional surgery and is used in the case of deeper or larger varicose veins. In these cases, the doctor makes a cut in the leg and removes the entire saphenous vein, which is not working properly.

This way, the blood continues to circulate through other veins without increasing pressure as it cannot pass through the saphenous vein.

Reducing the pressure within the vessels of the legs reduces the volume of varicose veins and prevents the formation of new ones, solving problems with very large varicose veins, but also spider veins. See how this surgery is performed and what specific care is required.

What is recovery like from surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery and, therefore, care in each case must always be indicated by the responsible surgeon. However, there are some precautions that are common to several types of surgery, such as:

• Avoid making effortssuch as going up or down stairs, on days 2 to 7;
• Maintain some physical activitytaking short walks at home;
• Lie down with your feet elevated than the hip, to allow drainage;

Furthermore, when surgery involves a cut in the skin, it is important to go to the hospital regularly to have the dressing done by a nurse.

After the first week of recovery, it is possible to start short trips outside the home, and routine activities can be resumed after around 2 weeks. However, you should avoid lifting weights and exposing your legs to the sun for the first 2 months.

Other activities, such as going to the gym or running, should be started gradually and after the 1st month of recovery, under the guidance and supervision of the vascular surgeon.

Possible complications of varicose vein surgery

Complications that varicose vein surgery can bring include:

• Vein infection;
• Hemorrhage;
• Bruise on the legs;
• Leg pain;
• Injury to the nerves in the leg.

These complications of varicose vein surgery have been disappearing due to the development of techniques and can normally be avoided if patients comply with recovery recommendations.