Varicose Vein Surgery
Varicose vein surgery, internal varicose veins and hidden varicose veins, venous insufficiency, venous leakage, venous reflux are almost all different names of the same disease. They are all definitions with different names that refer to the same disease in the veins where varicose veins seen in the leg originate. There are probably very few diseases that are called by so many different names. Let's call all of these different definitions (internal varicose veins, hidden varicose veins, venous insufficiency, venous leakage, venous reflux) varicose veins in short.
Varicose vein surgery is the surgical removal of enlarged and visible veins under the skin. This procedure can be applied in different ways depending on the size, location and other factors of the varicose veins.
Generally, for large or complex varicose veins, surgical intervention performed under general anesthesia may be required. During this procedure, a small incision is made in the varicose area and the varicose vein is removed or tied.
For smaller or medium-sized varicose veins, minimally invasive methods can be used. These methods may include procedures such as endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy. In these methods, a solution or energy source is injected into the varicose area with a needle or catheter, causing the varicose vein to collapse or seal.
Side effects such as mild pain, swelling and bruising that may last for a few days may be experienced after varicose vein surgery. The healing process may vary depending on the person's age, health status and the procedure performed. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations during the healing process. These recommendations may include keeping the legs elevated, using a special pressure bandage or stockings, walking regularly and taking medication.
Varicose vein surgery is the surgical removal or correction of varicose veins. This procedure is usually used for large, superficial varicose veins in the venous system. Varicose vein surgery can vary as groin varicose vein surgery, open varicose vein surgery, and closed varicose vein surgery.
Varicose Vein Surgery
Internal Varicose Veins
Hidden Varicose Veins
Venous Insufficiency
Venous Reflux
Before explaining varicose vein surgeries, it is useful to understand why and how varicose veins occur in which veins. Our body carries dirty blood to our legs through veins called arteries. Varicose veins are the disease of veins that carry this used and dirty blood to the heart to be cleaned. We generally call these veins veins (venous veins). There are 3 vein systems in our legs that carry dirty blood to the heart. These are;
Deep venous system (Main vein)
Superficial venous system (Backup vein-By pass vein)
Perforating vein system (bridge-Connecting vein)
Varicose veins are largely caused by the second system we mentioned, the superficial venous system (backup vein-bypass vein). This system consists of two veins; one is the Vena Saphenous Magna (greater saphenous vein) that runs on the inner surface of our leg, starting from the ankle and joining the main vein in the groin, and the other is the Vena Saphenous Parva (small saphenous vein) that starts at the heel and ends behind the knee by joining the main vein. These veins are compressed by the movement of our leg muscles and direct the blood towards the heart. In order for the blood not to leak back, there are valves in these veins every few centimeters. These valves serve as valves (valves) that open towards the heart and direct the blood to the heart. Varicose veins occur when this valve system breaks down and the blood directed to the heart leaks back into the backup vascular system. If varicose veins are not treated, pain and burning may occur in the area where the varicose veins form.
How is Varicose Vein Surgery Performed?
Varicose vein surgery is the surgical removal or ligation of varicose veins. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours.
During the surgery, an incision is made in the varicose area under the skin. Then, the varicose veins are removed or ligated from under the skin. During this procedure, the healthy veins nearby are protected and the varicose area is damaged as little as possible.
Depending on where the varicose veins are located, surgeons may use different techniques. For example, a method called stripping may be used to treat large superficial veins. In this method, a type of wire device is passed through the varicose area and then removed. After this procedure, the varicose veins under the skin are also removed.
Minimally invasive methods such as endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation can also be used. In these methods, a needle or catheter is placed in the varicose area and then an energy source is applied to the varicose vein, sealing or collapsing the varicose vein.
There are basically 4 types of varicose vein surgery. These surgeries are;
Classic surgery (Venous stripping): It is the most commonly performed surgery. With the help of general or spinal anesthesia, the beginning and ending point of the vein are found (ankle-groin or heel-back of the knee) and a steel wire is placed into the vein through large incisions. The tip is connected to the vein in the ankle or heel, the wire is pulled under the skin towards the groin and the spare veins are completely removed.
The spare veins that may be needed in the future (bypass veins) are completely removed. Afterwards, it is quite painful, has the possibility of bleeding, causes a bad cosmetic appearance and is an uncomfortable method that requires several weeks of rest.
Phlebectomy (packet excision): It is the second most common intervention performed with local or spinal anesthesia in which visible varicose veins are cleaned with a few centimeter incisions.
It does not completely eliminate the problems related to varicose veins alone, it provides partial improvement of the appearance. Afterwards, it causes a bad cosmetic appearance due to pain, bleeding and stitching.
Microsurgical 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 is to detect any problematic vein with Doppler ultrasonography during the intervention and to intervene 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.
Although the results of classical surgical techniques are relatively successful, there are handicaps such as the elimination of spare veins (bypass veins) that may be needed in the future, the long recovery and rest period, the large skin incisions, and the lack of cosmetics due to the incisions being closed with stitches.
In the microsurgery method performed with color Doppler ultrasonography, no vascular problem is overlooked, no special rest is required after the intervention, no hospitalization is required, patients are discharged on foot within 4-5 hours, and a perfect cosmetic recovery is achieved due to the incisions of a few millimeters and no stitches. It is a very safe method that protects bypass veins.
Valve Repair Operations (Clamp Method): Finally, the clamp method, which we call External valve repair and known among the public, is a very successful method especially in patients diagnosed early. This method is combined with microsurgery and protects the spare veins (bypass veins) in the closest way to nature. The disadvantage of the technique is that it cannot be applied to every patient and every vascular structure.
All varicose vein surgeries have advantages and disadvantages. It should not be forgotten that the vascular structure of each patient is different and therefore the surgical technique to be used can vary from person to person. Varicose vein treatment prices and economic costs also vary according to the technique or techniques used.
How Many Hours Does Varicose Vein Surgery Take?
Varicose vein surgery is a process that varies depending on the procedure to be performed and the location of the varicose veins. Therefore, the duration of the surgery may vary.
Laser varicose vein surgery usually lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours. This duration may vary depending on the area where the surgery will be performed, the number and size of the varicose veins, the general health status of the patient and the method in which the surgery will be performed.
During the surgery, the patient is put to sleep and local anesthesia is applied. Laser energy is used to close the vein walls inside the varicose vein. This procedure is particularly effective for small and medium-sized varicose veins.
The patient may need to be observed for a few hours after the surgery and is usually sent home the same day. It is normal for the patient to feel pain and discomfort in the post-operative period, and this can be relieved with medications.
Recovery Time After Laser Varicose Vein Surgery
The recovery time after varicose vein surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery and the area where it is applied. The recovery time after laser varicose vein treatment may vary depending on the intensity of the surgery, the area where the procedure is performed, the general health status and age of the patient.
It can generally be said that patients can return to their daily activities within a few days after laser varicose vein surgery. It is recommended to rest in the first days, keep the legs elevated, and wear varicose stockings to reduce swelling and prevent bleeding. In addition, the use of prescribed painkillers may be recommended to relieve pain.
For a full recovery period, patients are generally advised to limit their physical activities for 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, heavy lifting, standing or sitting for long periods of time should be avoided. During the first few weeks after surgery, swelling and bruising in the legs will gradually decrease and it is recommended to get your doctor's approval to return to normal activities.
How Many Days Should You Wear Compression Stockings After Surgery?
The duration of wearing compression stockings after surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the recommended post-operative care plan. However, it is generally recommended that post-operative compression stockings be worn 24 hours a day for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Compression stockings help prevent swelling, pain and blood clots in the legs by increasing blood circulation in the legs. Post-operative compression stockings can help reduce swelling and pain in the legs, regulate blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots in the surgical area.
The duration of wearing compression stockings after surgery may vary according to your surgeon's recommendations, so it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about the instructions to be followed before and after surgery.
Is Varicose Vein Surgery a Difficult Surgery?
Varicose vein surgery is a procedure medically known as "varicose vein surgery". This procedure is performed to treat varicose veins that appear on the legs or feet. It is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Varicose vein surgery is not generally considered a difficult surgery, but like any surgery, it has risks and potential complications. During the surgery, several different methods can be used to remove or close the varicose vein. These methods may include procedures such as stripping, phlebectomy, and endovenous laser therapy.
Varicose vein surgery is also notable for its post-operative recovery process and risk of complications. The recovery process is usually supported by measures such as painkillers, elastic compression stockings, and rest. However, there are also risks such as post-operative bleeding, infection, complications related to anesthesia, and problems with the veins.
In conclusion, varicose vein surgery is not considered a difficult surgery, but like any surgery, it has risks and potential complications. Paying attention to the instructions given by your doctor before and after the surgery can help the surgery go successfully and smoothly.
Varicose Vein Surgery Prices
Varicose vein surgery prices vary depending on the region where the surgery will be performed, the type of surgery, the location of the hospital or clinic, and the health insurance coverage. People with private health insurance can usually cover some or all of the surgery costs.
Laser varicose vein surgery prices vary depending on the region where the surgery will be performed, the number and size of varicose veins, the location of the hospital or clinic, and the materials and devices used.
In addition, laser varicose vein surgery prices may depend on the experience and reputation of the doctor performing the surgery. Some doctors may charge higher fees.
You can talk to your doctor before the surgery to get detailed information about the cost of the surgery. It may also be useful to find out whether your health insurance covers varicose vein treatment.