What is Varicose Vein Surgery?
Cardiologist, Jaslok Hospital, 31years of experience
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Meaning of Varicose Vein Surgery
Varicose vein surgery is a procedure to remove or close off varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. The problem of varicose veins occurs when the veins fail to circulate blood and become dilated. The veins commonly affected are those of the legs due to excess pressure on the veins of the lower body. Prolonged standing, pregnancy, or severe obesity may be responsible for varicose veins.
Normally varicose veins can be treated with lifestyle changes and with medication. However, when the problem is severe, varicose veins can cause complications like blood clots, ulcers and can be extremely painful thereby causing interruptions in the patient’s normal functioning. In such conditions, doctors suggest a varicose vein surgery to relieve the pain.
Let us elaborate on varicose vein surgery in this article.
- What are the symptoms to look out for in Varicose Veins?
- Who is at a greater risk to get Varicose Veins?
- Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
- Treatment of Varicose Veins
- What are the different types of Varicose Vein Surgeries/Procedures?
- Care After Varicose Vein Surgery
- What are the Risks of Varicose Vein Surgery?
- What is the Cost of Varicose Vein Surgery in India?
What are the symptoms to look out for in Varicose Veins?
Patients should lookout for the following symptoms and consult a vascular surgeon immediately.
- Unusual feeling of heaviness in the lower leg
- The appearance of bulging veins.
- Discolored veins, often blue or dark purple. (Know more about- What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? )
- Cramps, itching, and pain around the veins
- Bleeding from the veins can lead to ulcers.
- Inability to sit or stand for a long time due to pain. ( Know more about- What is Thrombolysis? )
Who is at a greater risk to get Varicose Veins?
There are certain groups of people who have an inherently higher risk of developing varicosity.
- People who have jobs that require long standing hours eg. bus conductors, teachers, surgeons, etc.
- Pregnant women
- People with a history of varicosity in the family
- Obese people
- Menopausal women
- Those of age more than 50
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
A doctor performs a general examination to determine if one has varicose veins. The doctor typically examines the patient in a standing or sitting position and asks about the symptoms. The doctor may suggest an ultrasound to check the blood flow in the body. He may also recommend a venogram. A venogram is a test that makes the veins visible on an X-ray with the help of a contrast dye.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Some of the treatment methods other than surgery that can help in relieving the patient of varicose veins are:
- Lifestyle changes: The first-line treatment of varicose veins is lifestyle changes like:
- Losing weight. ( Know more about- Exercise for Weight Loss )
- Reducing standing hours
- Use of compression stockings
- Elevate your legs while sleeping or resting
- Exercise to improve your circulation
- Conservative treatment:
- Elastic crepe bandage application
- Elevation of the limb
- Unna boots are special types of boots that provide compression therapy and prevent any further
- Pneumatic Compression method
- Medications that improve the blood circulation
- Sclerotherapy: The surgeon injects a foam or solution which blocks off the large vein.
- Microsclerotherapy: The surgeon injects a foam or solution which blocks off the small vein.
- Transillumination micro Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is done under a halogen light bulb.
- Echosclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy done under duplex ultrasound image guidance.
What are the different types of Varicose Vein Surgeries/Procedures?
Doctors usually suggest lifestyle changes and more non-invasive methods for the treatment of varicose veins. However, if the condition is very serious and detrimental to the patient’s health, surgery may be required. Some of the options are:
- Vein stripping and ligation – This procedure involves the removal of veins through incisions. The varicose vein is cut and then removed through incisions (at least two) in the skin. This procedure is generally used for larger veins.
- Endoscopic Vein Surgery – In this procedure, an incision is made near the vein, and a camera connected to a surgical instrument is inserted through this incision. Once in, the device is used to close the vein. It is used only when the problem is severe and varicose veins cause skin ulcers. ( Know more about- What is Endoscopy? )
- Laser surgery – Laser surgery is a non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to block the vein. The short bursts of energy waves block the veins and they slowly disappear. Small to medium-sized veins are generally treated with laser surgery.
- Endovenous Ablation Therapy – In this minimally invasive procedure, a small incision is made through which a catheter is introduced into the vein. Using an ultrasound, the doctor guides the catheter into the vein. A laser at the end of the catheter heats the wall of the vein thereby closing it.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This is a daycare procedure where your surgeon makes small skin punctures using local anesthesia to remove the bulging veins, segment by segment. This method is mostly used for larger veins.
Care After Varicose Vein Surgery
- Procedures such as vein stripping and ligation and endoscopic vein surgery require the patient to rest between 1 and 4 weeks.
- Patients opting for treatments such as laser surgery and ablation can go home on the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.
- To prevent and reduce the effect of varicose veins, doctors recommend the following changes in your lifestyle:
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Avoid wearing tight clothes.
– Do not sit in a crossed legs position.
– Exercise regularly.
What are the Risks of Varicose Vein Surgery?
Every surgical procedure carries some risk of complications. Similarly, varicose vein surgery may have the following risks:
- Infections
- Pain around the vein
- Bleeding
- Injury
- Damage to the vein
- Redness or swelling of the vein.
- Blood clots. (Read more – What is a cardiac arrest)
- Skin discoloration over the treated vein
- Burning sensation
If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, you should contact your doctor.
What is the Cost of Varicose Vein Surgery in India?
The total cost of varicose vein surgery in India can range from around INR 1,40,000 to INR 2,00,000. The cost of varicose vein surgery may vary across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, in addition to the cost of varicose vein surgery, there will be an additional cost of accommodation and food, the cost of local travel, etc. After the surgery, the patient has to stay in the hospital for a few days and in the hotel for around 7 days, after getting discharged from the hospital, for complete recovery. This might add to additional charges. So, the cost of varicose vein surgery can be around INR 2,30,000.
We hope that we could answer your questions regarding varicose vein surgery through this article.
If you want more information and treatment of varicose vein surgery, you can contact a Vascular surgeon/ Endovascular surgeon/ Cardiologist.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice.
