Which is a better treatment for varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur because of dilation of superficial veins of the lower limbs. These occur in people who have a work profile, which makes them stand for a long duration. It can also affect people who have a sedentary life style and obesity problems.
Patient feels itching at the vein’s location; there is bluish- brownish discoloration of the skin of the legs around the vein’s path. They can also feel pain and heavy feelings in the legs, muscle cramps and swelling in the lower legs. They are also common in old age group and pregnant women.
Varicose veins in the initial stages can be treated conservatively. Some life style changes are mandated. In obese patients, just shedding some weight shows improvement in the symptoms. Exercising every day to gain the elasticity of the veins back is advised. Avoiding wearing tight clothes and elevation of legs, compression stockings, not standing or sitting for longer duration of time is recommended to lessen the symptoms of varicose veins.
There are multiple treatments available to treat varicose veins. Sometimes patient ask the question that which of these treatments is the best.
Here is a discussion to which treatment is better to treat varicose veins.
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High ligation and stripping:
In this procedure, the superficial vein is tied before it meets the deep vein circuit. This vein is then removed through small incisions. Removing the vein doesn’t affect the blood circulation in your limbs as deep veins in the lower limbs are still circulating blood.
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Ambulatory phlebectomy:
The varicose veins are removed through skin with the help of very tiny skin punctures. Local anaesthesia is given to numb the area where the punctures are given. The resultant scarring is very less.
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Sclerotherapy:
In this procedure, the doctor injects a solution in the small and medium varicose veins. This solution scars the vessels and the fibrosis closes the veins. Many times the varicosity tends to reappear after few months.
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Foam sclerotherapy:
Foam is injected instead of the solution in a large vein. This foam blocks the blood vessel and doesn’t let it dilate as the blood supply is blocked. It gives similar results like sclerotherapy does.
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Laser surgeries:
No incision is given. The treating surgeon uses laser to close the small varicose veins and spider veins. The veins disappear slowly over the period of time. Laser works by sending precise, targeted and strong burst of light on the affected vein and closing the vein.
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Endovascular Laser Therapy by Endovascular Surgeon, Hyderabad:
In this procedure, the vascular surgeon inserts a catheter is inserted in a large varicose vein and the tip is heated by laser energy. As the catheter is removed out, the heat causes the vein to collapse and seal it shut.
The best course of treatment is different for different cases and scenarios. But according to a recent study conducted in UK, endovascular laser therapy remains the best option to treat the varicose veins. In this study, 798 participants treated in 11 surgery centres were followed up for 6 months.
They had undergone one of the treatments mentioned above for varicose veins. In this follow up, the outcome of the procedure, the reoccurrence of varicose veins, complications, quality of life etc. these all parameters were checked. It was found that people preferred EVLT over other treatments. It led to less number of complications and had lower rates of reoccurrence and better quality of life.
Hence EVLT is said to be the best treatment for varicose veins!! Get your varicose veins treated by one of the Vascular Surgeon in hyderabad Dr.Abhilash Sandhyala