Remove varicose veins

What to do against varicose veins?

There are several options for varicose treatment. Which treatment method is most suitable for each individual depends, among other things, on the type of varicose veins and the stage of the disease. Varices are often harmless. Therefore, it is not always necessary to have the varicose veins removed. The decision for or against an operative varicose vein treatment depends primarily on possible comorbidities and the personal suffering.

Varicose Vein Treatment: Conservative Measures
Conservative (non-invasive) measures will not remove varicose veins, but will alleviate their discomfort and prevent their spread. Available are physical therapy methods, compression therapy and medication.

Further therapy methods

Information about further therapy methods can be found in the main text varicose veins.

Remove varicose veins: Invasive measures

In order to remove the varicose veins, a medical intervention is required. This is necessary if the affected veins are heavily sacked by stagnation and no longer function properly. The doctor will first examine the veins by means of ultrasound or X-ray (angiography) and then decide which procedure is best for removing varicose veins in individual cases. It is important, for example, to what extent the deep venous system is also affected or whether only the superficial veins are changed.

Remove varicose veins: sclerotherapy (Sclerosis)

If one deserts the varicose veins, an artificial inflammation of the vein walls is caused. The doctor injects a sclerosing agent (for example, polidocanol) into the venous network, causing the vein walls to stick together and scar. Depending on the size and extent of the vessels, the sclerosing agent can be administered as a liquid or as a foam. Subsequently, patients should usually wear compression stockings for a few days.

In order to successfully slough off varicose veins, several sessions are usually necessary. Because the tendency to varicose veins is inherited, varices often reappear a few years later. The treatment must then be repeated if necessary.

Remove varicose veins: laser therapy

Another invasive treatment approach is to lase the varicose veins. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The doctor makes a small cut in the leg and introduces a fine laser probe into the affected varicose vein – usually under ultrasound control, so that the right vessel is caught. The laser heats the varicose veins, which then close. They scar and are then broken down by the body.

The removal of varicose veins by means of a laser is particularly suitable for straight, not so pronounced varices. Patients usually wear compression stockings for about four weeks after laser removal to counteract the risk of swelling and clot formation.

Remove varicose veins: varicose surgery

Varicose vein surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that typically leaves scars scarcely. There are several methods that doctors can use to treat varicose veins: You can “pull” the varicose veins, ie remove them partially or completely (partial stripping / stripping). Also, using the CHIVA method and External Valvuloplasty (EVP), varicose veins can be removed. Talk to the treating physician about the most appropriate method and the respective surgical risks. Depending on the severity of the disease and depending on the comorbidities, a varicose vein surgery is performed inpatient or outpatient.

Remove varicose veins: partial stripping / stripping

In “pulling varicose veins” the doctor pushes a small probe into the affected vein and pierces the vein wall at the end of the varicose veins again. The vessel is then severed and pulled out. In partial stripping, only the pathologically altered sections of the vessel are pulled. By stripping you can remove complete varicose veins. Thereafter, patients should wear compression stockings for about four weeks to prevent swelling and blood clots.

Remove varicose veins: CHIVA method

Another way physicians can use to remove varicose veins is the so-called CHIVA method. CHIVA is a French abbreviation for “blood flow corrective, vein-conserving, outpatient treatment for varicose veins”. The doctor first examines the veins by ultrasound and binds the pathologically altered vein sections in a small surgical procedure. As a result, they usually return by themselves over time. Patients should then wear compression stockings for four to five weeks to accelerate regression. For highly varicose veins, this method is not recommended.

Remove Varicose Veins: External Valvuloplasty (EVP)

External Valvuloplasty (EVP) renders the venous valves functional again. The doctor narrows the great vein of the groin (vena saphena magna) by making a small incision under local anesthesia and suturing a small polyester cuff around the great vein. This reduces the circumference of the vein. The reduced volume of the vein makes the venous valves work indirectly again. The procedure is suitable for very mild varicose veins and has the advantage that the diseased vein is preserved.

Remove varicose veins: operation risks

The removal of varicose veins is usually only a minor surgical procedure. However, subsequent bleeding and swelling of the legs can occur as a result of the accumulation of lymph fluid. Patients should therefore have their legs bandaged after wearing varicose veins or wear compression stockings. In addition, patients are advised to raise their legs whenever possible to promote blood flow.

Varicose veins tend to persist after surgical removal, so patients should consider the recommendations for varicose vein prevention.

Remove varicose veins: costs

If you want to remove varicose veins, you should be prepared for the fact that the costs vary greatly depending on the method of treatment and the severity of the disease. A spider vein surgery is usually a cosmetic procedure that is not paid by the health insurance companies. In varicose veins, however, pay the statutory and private health insurance usually the costs.

Prevention of new varicose veins

Since the genetic predisposition to varicose veins usually persists for a lifetime, sufferers should consider certain precautions – even after the removal of varicose veins to prevent a new formation:

• Move regularly and do sports. Especially endurance sports such as cycling, running or swimming are suitable to strengthen the calf muscles and prevent varicose veins.
• Regular alternating showers and Kneipp baths also stimulate blood circulation and can counteract varicose veins.
• Eat healthy and pay attention to your weight. Obesity can affect the venous blood flow and promote varicose veins.
• Put your legs up often. The blood does not have to drain against gravity, and the feeling of “heavy legs” decreases.
• Avoid excessive heat, prolonged standing or sitting as both benefit and aggravate congestion and varicose veins.

Although these measures can not Remove varicose veinsbut to prevent (re) education.