Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that usually appear on the legs. They are common, particularly in women. More than 20% of women develop some form of varicose veins, usually during pregnancy or as they grow older. In fact, by 50, 41% of women will have the condition.
These veins form when small valves in the blood vein weaken and can’t push blood back to the heart efficiently, causing the blood to pool and the vein to become snarled and enlarged. While some find varicose veins merely unsightly, others may experience great discomfort and pain because of the veins. Those who wish to have the veins removed have several medical options to do so.
Vein Stripping
This is the traditional surgical treatment to remove varicose veins. It involves removing a long vein from the groin down to the ankle. This is usually an outpatient treatment and patients often are able to resume normal activities two weeks after the surgery. Removing the vein does not affect circulation in the leg because the remaining deeper veins will be able to handle a larger volume of blood.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This method is suitable for superficial and smaller varicose veins. It involves removing varicose veins through small 2-3mm incisions in the skin overlying the veins. During the procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia and can be discharged on the same day. Complications are uncommon and scarring minimal.
Sclerotherapy
This is a non-surgical treatment for varicose veins that has been used for over 150 years. In this procedure, a solution is injected into the veins, forming scars in the vein which in turn forces the veins to close and the blood rerouted through healthier veins.
These days, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy with improved solutions and injection techniques as well as higher success rates are available.
Varicose Vein Laser Surgery
Laser treatment for varicose veins works through the use of strong bursts of light being sent into the problem veins, making them slowly fade and eventually disappear. However, the treatment may be less effective than sclerotherapy and can leave side effects.
Catheter-assisted Procedures
This newer, minimally invasive surgery is ideal for larger varicose veins. During the surgery, a catheter or very thin tube with a heated tip is inserted into the enlarged vein. When the catheter is removed, the heat will cause the vein to disintegrate and the blood to be redirected through healthier veins.
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
This method is only suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and leg ulcers. A thin video camera is inserted through a small cut for the surgeon to see and close the varicose veins. The patient may be given a combination of therapies for best results.
In addition to medical treatment, home-based treatments for varicose veins such as compression therapy, leg elevation, exercise and losing excess weight are also recommended. In fact, patients are often encouraged to use both medical and self-care therapies to reduce and treat varicose veins.
References:
WebMd.com – Varicose Veins Topic Overview
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