Treatment of leg veins in men and women do not differ, but the frequency of postoperative recurrence in women above in connection with the additional influence of hormones (estrogen effect).
Venous disease of the legs should be treated the doctor-phlebologist, who is dealing with this pathology. The various treatments for varicose veins are not radical, because they are not designed to address the main pathogenetic causes malfunction of the valve apparatus veins. Surgical and conservative treatment to slow down progression of the disease, for the long line. The percentage of recurrence is high from 10% to 50% 5 years after surgery.
Treatment of varicose veins should be full. There are three groups of methods, eliminates varicose veins:
- surgical,
- conservative.
Each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages, a certain frequency of repetition. The choice of method is arbitrary, so think about how to achieve the most favorable outcome often combine all three methods.
Typical symptoms of varicose veins in women
Common events specific to women
Symptoms of varicose veins begins with the occurrence of such functional disorders as the feeling of weight in the legs, swelling of the ankle joints to the end of the day. On the skin of the legs is first formed spider veins.
The main signs of the disease – Association of varicose saphenous veins, in a few years of onset.
If left untreated at this stage, causes such symptoms as cramps in the calf muscles, itchy skin on the feet.
Signs of venous disease: pigmentation of the skin in the lower third of the legs, cyanosis, sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue, eczema, trophic ulcer is formed.
Typical symptoms of varicose veins in women
- The painful symptoms appear cyclical, worse before menstruation, due to changes in the level of sexual hormones;
- during pregnancy, the resulting symptoms of varicose veins after birth may disappear;
- in the second half of the menstrual cycle due to the action of progesterone, the diameter of the varicose veins increases, so the symptoms of swelling and weight in the legs, more pronounced;
- symptoms of varicose veins worsen during hormone therapy.
Now to talk about the methods of treatment.
The best methods of treatment
Radiofrequency ablation and laser photocoagulation
Radiofrequency ablation of veins
The method is based on the introduction of ultrasound under the supervision of a special catheter disposable in the lumen of the dilated veins.
The catheter is equipped with a special electrode, the work, which under the influence of RF radiation, heats up to 120 degrees. The progress of the catheter through the blood vessels, which leads to sticking to the vascular wall. Off the affected veins from the heart and the circulatory system of the legs.
Venous laser photocoagulation
The surgical technique consists of puncture of the affected vein and introduction into its lumen under ultrasound guidance a laser fiber. Under the influence of laser radiation occurs, the coagulation of proteins in the vascular walls, which leads to Vienna, to disappear, and after some time, overgrown connective tissue.
Radiofrequency ablation and venous laser ablation are relatively new methods of treatment of varicose veins on the legs. Despite the differences in technique, have common features.
The advantages and disadvantages of radiofrequency ablation and laser vein ablation
Advantages:
- Do not require treatment in the hospital;
- Speed of implementation (from 30 min up to 1 hour);
- Painless;
- Without bloodshed;
- Performed under local anesthesia;
- The lack of a postoperative scar for women to the desired cosmetic effect);
- Short-term rehabilitation.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- The frequency of recurrence of 10%;
- The inability of the process and some of the anatomical peculiarities of the veins (severe tortuosity of vessels).
Radiofrequency ablation and venous laser ablation select women who want to treat varicose veins in an outpatient setting with minimal restriction of physical activity in the postoperative period and to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the legs.
Fleboskleroterapija
In the lumen of the affected segment of the vein injected a special drug that has a special effect on the vascular wall. Sclerosing agent can be used in liquid form or in the form of a foam. The advantage of foam sclerotherapy due to a larger area of contact of the substance with the wall of the vein.
The advantages and disadvantages of Fleboskleroterapija:
- The lack of any postoperative scarring;
- Performed on an outpatient basis;
- The surgery is performed without anaesthetic;
- Manipulation is practically painless (slight stinging at the site of the puncture);
- Possible long-term pigmentation of the skin at the site of the puncture (up to 2 years);
- In rare cases, a postoperative inflammation of the vein (phlebitis);
- Swelling and redness of tissues in 2 days after the procedure;
- Allergic reactions, which are hypersensitive to the drug;
- In 20% of cases of spider veins on the legs (telangiectasia);
- The frequency of recurrence by 50%.
The recurrence of varicose veins after sclerotherapy depends on the lumen of the affected vessels: the wider the clearance, the greater is the risk of recanalization in it. Select this therapy in the treatment of recurrent varicose veins after surgical phlebectomy.
Surgical phlebectomy
Surgery is a more radical way to eliminate varicose veins. The principles of surgical treatment are the elimination of the abnormal outflow of blood from deep into superficial veins of the legs and removal of the blood vessels themselves. Stages in the combined phlebectomy:
- Passage and ligation of the mouth of the great saphenous vein (incision in the groin) or small saphenous vein (incision in the popliteal fossa);
- Remove the stems of varicose veins. With the use of a particular metal probe which draws the vein into the skin incision.
Advantages:
- Radical;
- The ability to perform operations at any stage of the disease.
Disadvantages:
- Hospital stay 5 to 7 days;
- The scar in the legs;
- Spinal or General anesthesia;
- Damage to the surrounding tissue upon pulling out the vein;
- Possible complications: bleeding, infection of the wound;
- The recurrence rate by 20%.
To be treated surgically, preferably with a specific type of injury occurs when varicose deformity of the great or small saphenous veins to a considerable extent. And also, if there are signs of trophic disorders of soft tissue, and symptoms of decompensation of venous insufficiency.
Miniflebjektomija
Miniflebjektomija – separate option of surgery, which can treat the varicose veins on the legs in the early stages. It is often used in the presence of one of the varicose node in the shin. Performs skin puncture on pathological education and with a hook in the sky, and crossed the Vienna. The operation does not require General anesthesia and in contact with skin suturing.
Conservative treatment
Started for the treatment of varicose disease in the legs is necessary, with the use of drugs and compression therapy. The purpose of the preparations improving blood circulation and wearing medical compression hosiery – main conditions that determine the result of any operation on the veins of the legs.
Treatment with medications
Medications these medicines stop symptoms of venous insufficiency, are used as preoperative preparation and postoperative rehabilitation.
Treated with special preparations, varicose veins on the legs takes a long time, in continuous mode or in repeat courses.
Compression treatment
Elastic compression leg – a leading method of treatment in cases where surgery is contraindicated. As the compression means you can use elastic bandages and special medical socks: socks, short socks, panty hose, tights, socks. Medical products feature high strength, long time retain the original compression level, comfortable to wear, which is important for women.
There are 4 types of elastic knitted fabrics depending on the degree of compression. Recommended for the treatment of varicose veins with the use of the goods class 2 in the absence of disease progression up to 6 months and with continued use during exercise or during prolonged stay on their feet. If there are signs of damage to the valves in the deep veins or severe symptoms of impaired lymphatic drainage, there are jerseys class 3 if you want to stop the progression of varicose veins.
Therapeutic effect of compression stockings is because of:
- the decrease in the veins, resulting in less outflow of blood in the varicose veins;
- increase the intake of tissue fluid into the bloodstream, so the signs of puffiness and the symptoms of heavy legs disappear;
- improving the flow of blood, which prevents the formation of blood clots.