Varicose Veins Treatment

What is varicose veins?

Varicose veins are defined as enlarged veins that usually appear on the legs. Varicose veins occur as a result of the weakening of the valves inside the veins and the inability to prevent the backflow of blood. As a result of the inability to prevent the backflow of blood, the veins enlarge and enlarge. Varicose veins appear as knots, usually blue or purple, and can sometimes cause symptoms such as pain, itching or swelling in the leg. It is usually more common in women, but can also occur in men. Risk factors include family history, pregnancy, being overweight, standing or sitting for long periods of time. The treatment of varicose veins may vary depending on the severity and size of the varicose.

Why Does Varicose Occur?

Varicose veins are caused by the weakening or damage of the valves in the veins and the inability to prevent the backflow of blood. Normally, veins have valves to keep blood flowing towards the heart. These valves open and close to direct the flow of blood only towards the heart. But if the valves are damaged or weakened, the backflow of blood cannot be prevented and the vessels enlarge.

Among the factors affecting the formation of varicose are the following:

• * Genetic predisposition
• * Being overweight
• * Pregnancy
• * Hormonal changes
• * Immobile life style
• * Working standing or sitting for a long time
• * Aging
• * Smoking
• * High blood pressure or heart failure

These factors may contribute to the formation of varicose veins by increasing the disturbances in blood flow.

What should be done to prevent varicose veins?

Here are some things you can do to prevent varicose veins:

• * Exercise regularly: Exercising regularly helps strengthen your leg muscles and increases your blood flow. This helps prevent the formation of varicose veins.
• * Follow a healthy diet: Following a healthy diet can prevent excessive weight gain and therefore prevent the formation of varicose veins.
• * Do not stay still for a long time: Being inactive for a long time can cause your blood flow to slow down and varicose veins to form. For this reason, it is recommended that people who have to sit or stand for long periods of time take short breaks frequently.
• * Pay attention to your choice of clothing: Tight clothes, especially tight pants and socks, can block your blood flow and cause varicose veins. Therefore, it is important to choose loose and comfortable clothing.
• * Keep your legs elevated: Keeping your legs elevated can help keep your blood flowing regularly and prevent varicose veins.
• * Don't smoke: Smoking can cause your arteries to narrow and your blood flow to slow. Therefore, it is important to avoid smoking.
• * Consult your doctor: If you have a family history of varicose veins or are at risk of varicose veins, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Your doctor can give you appropriate recommendations to prevent the formation of varicose veins.

What are the Types of Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins treatment may vary depending on the severity and size of the varicose. Treatment options may include:

• * Sclerotherapy: In this method, a special solution is injected into the varicose veins and the veins are closed by sticking together. This procedure is usually used for small varicose veins.
• * Radiofrequency ablation: In this method, a catheter is inserted into the varicose and the vein is heated using radiofrequency energy. This process allows the vein to be closed and is usually used for medium-sized varicose veins.
• * Endovenous laser ablation: In this method, a laser fiber is inserted into the varicose vein and the vein is closed using laser energy. This method is generally used for large varicose veins.
• * Surgery: This method involves the removal of large varicose veins. This procedure is usually applied in more advanced cases.
• * Compression stockings: Compression stockings increase the pressure in the legs, regulate blood flow and prevent the formation of varicose veins. This method is generally used in the early stages of varicose veins.

Treatment-oriented lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as exercising more regularly, following a healthy diet, not staying sedentary for long periods, and keeping varicose legs elevated, can help treat varicose veins.

It is recommended that you talk to your doctor to decide which treatment is appropriate.

Surgical Procedure in the Treatment of Varicose Veins

The surgical procedure in the treatment of varicose veins usually involves the removal of large varicose veins. This procedure is usually used in more advanced cases, especially when other treatments have not worked or the varicose veins are very large. The surgical procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and the patient can be sent home the same day.

There are two main methods for varicose vein surgery: phlebectomy and subcutaneous laser treatment.

• * Phlebectomy:  Phlebectomy involves cutting and removing the varicose vein. This procedure can be done with a few small incisions and the recovery time after surgery is usually fast.
• * Subcutaneous laser treatment: Subcutaneous laser treatment, on the other hand, is entered into the varicose vein by using laser energy and the vein is heated. This process ensures that the vein is closed and the vein disappears over time.

After varicose surgery, it may be necessary to use bandages or elastic stockings to provide pressure to the varicose area, usually for a few weeks. It is also important to take care to rest and keep the legs as high as possible after the surgery.

It is recommended to consult a specialist doctor experienced in varicose veins to decide whether the surgical treatment option is appropriate according to the size and location of the varicose veins.

Op. Dr. Tolga ONDER 

Cardiovascular Surgery