Internal Varicose Vein Treatment
What is the treatment of internal varicose veins? How is internal varicose veins treated? Is varicose vein surgery necessary for the treatment of internal varicose veins? What are the symptoms of internal varicose veins? Internal varicose veins are expansions that occur in the inner part of the veins. These expansions cause blood to flow backwards in the veins and can cause pain, swelling and fatigue in the legs. Internal varicose vein treatment is a series of procedures performed to reduce these symptoms and eliminate varicose veins. Internal varicose vein treatment can be performed under local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. After the procedure, patients are usually discharged on the same day and can return to their normal activities. However, mild pain, swelling and bruising may be experienced for a few days after treatment. These symptoms usually go away on their own and can be controlled with painkillers.
Internal varicose vein treatment may vary depending on the patient's symptoms and the severity of varicose veins. The methods used for internal varicose vein treatment are as follows:
1. Foam Treatment: In this method, a drug is injected into the varicose vein. This drug causes the walls of the varicose vein to stick together, causing the vein to disappear. This method is usually used for small and medium-sized varicose veins.
2. Radiofrequency ablation: In this method, a catheter is placed under the skin and inserted into the varicose vein. Then, the varicose vein is heated and destroyed using radiofrequency energy.
3. Laser ablation: In this method, a catheter is placed under the skin and inserted into the varicose vein. Then, the varicose vein is destroyed using high-energy laser beams.
4. Phlebectomy: In this method, the varicose vein is removed using small incisions on the varicose vein. This method is usually used for large varicose veins.
5. Microsurgery Method: This method has developed and become widespread with the use of color doppler ultrasonography in the surgical field and is applied in very few centers in our country. Any intervention performed in classical surgery can also be performed with this method.
The technique is the pinpoint detection of any problematic vein with doppler ultrasonography during the intervention and the intervention through a few millimeter incisions with special medical devices. Although it is an easy technique, the success in the application is directly proportional to the ultrasound knowledge and experience of the physician using the technique.
How is Internal Varicose Vein Treatment Performed?
Internal varicose vein treatment can be performed with different methods depending on the patient's varicose vein condition. The most commonly used methods for internal varicose vein treatment are as follows:
Foam Treatment: This method is used for small and medium-sized varicose veins. In this procedure, a special solution is injected into the varicose vein. The solution sticks to the inner walls of the varicose vein, causing the vein to become blocked. Thus, the varicose vein shrinks and disappears over time.
Laser or radiofrequency ablation: These methods are generally used for larger varicose veins. Laser or radiofrequency energy is directed into the varicose vein through a catheter placed under the skin. The vein is heated and destroyed by the energy. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day.
Phlebectomy: This method is the surgical removal of varicose veins. Phlebectomy is used for large varicose veins. Before the operation, the patient is given general or regional anesthesia. Afterwards, small incisions are made on the skin and the varicose vein is removed.
5.Microsurgery Method: This method has developed and become widespread with the use of color doppler ultrasonography in the field of surgery and is applied in very few centers in our country. Any intervention performed in classical surgery can be performed with this method.
The technique involves pinpointing all types of problematic veins with Doppler ultrasonography during the procedure and intervening through incisions of a few millimeters using special medical devices. Although it is an easy technique, the success in the application is directly proportional to the ultrasound knowledge and experience of the physician using the technique.
Internal varicose vein treatment is usually a painless procedure and the person can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. However, pain, swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure. These conditions usually decrease within a few days and can be controlled with painkillers.
What are the Symptoms of Internal Varicose Veins?
Internal varicose veins are defined as enlarged, full and mostly blue or purple veins that occur in the lower legs. The symptoms of internal varicose veins are as follows:
• Pain, cramping or burning sensation in the legs while standing or sitting.
• Swelling in the legs, especially in the ankles and calves.
• Change in skin color on the legs, especially peripheral darkening, brown spots or flaking of the skin.
• Itching in the legs.
• Feeling of heaviness in the legs.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs.
• Mild swelling or tenderness in the legs.
These symptoms usually increase during the day with standing or sitting and decrease with rest. Symptoms can often be worse at the end of the day. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Internal varicose vein treatment is important to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Is Varicose Vein Surgery Necessary for Internal Varicose Vein Treatment?
Varicose vein surgery may be necessary for internal varicose vein treatment. In our country, noninvasive treatment methods are generally preferred instead of surgical intervention. However, microsurgery technique is used to protect the veins (bypass veins). In some cases; especially in large and complex internal varicose veins, classical surgical intervention may be required.
Classical surgical intervention is performed by removing or tying the varicose vein. This procedure is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia and the patient is discharged only after a few days. It also requires bed rest for a few weeks. (It is an uncomfortable method)
The bypass veins are protected in the intervention with the Micro Surgery method. This procedure is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia and allows the patient to be discharged on the same day. The patient returns to his/her daily life in a few days (Quite comfortable.)
However, less invasive methods are preferred today as an alternative to varicose vein surgery. These methods are procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency ablation and phlebectomy. These procedures are generally less invasive, less painful and result in a shorter recovery process. The negative side of these procedures is that they all damage the saphenous vein (bypass vein) and perform the treatment in a way that it cannot be used again (in any operation that may require a vein, heart bypass surgery, etc.).
The most correct step is to consult a specialist doctor to determine which method is suitable for the treatment of internal varicose veins.