Varicose veins Thread veins Foam sclerotherapy Sweating Hyperhidrosis Botox
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What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are common and may cause symptoms of aching, heaviness or discomfort. The skin of the lower leg may become itchy and look like eczema. The skin changes may progress to discolouration and ultimately (in a small proportion) ulceration. Varicose veins show a strong familial tendency and may become apparent during pregnancy. Veins contain valves which allow the one-way flow of blood back to the heart. However, if some or all of the valves are 'leaky' the blood will tend to 'fall back' (reflux) with the force of gravity when we stand up and the higher pressure in these veins is thought to play an important role in the development and progression of varicose veins.
Treatment The correct treatment of varicose veins requires expert assessment by a vascular specialist. In the UK this is usually a Vascular Surgeon. Surgery is not always needed, but is often necessary in cases where there are skin changes (see upper photo) or where the sypmtoms are too troublesome. Assessment will involve a full medical history and examination together with a simple ultrasound test (Doppler). A formal ultrasound (Duplex scan) is desirable, especially if your veins have recurred after previous surgery.
Surgery The results of surgery, done thoroughly and accurately by a Vascular Surgeon, are good. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and nearly all patients are fit enough to return home on the same day. A cut is made in the groin (lower photo) or behind the knee to disconnect the 'leaking' vein from the rest of the venous system and to strip it out from under the skin. Other varicosities can be removed through very small incisions. Elasticated stockings should be worn for 7 days and bruising should resolve by 8 weeks. Newer forms of treatment These include VNUS, EVLT/ELVeS, and foam. VNUS involves the use of radiofrequency waves (passed via a thin catheter placed in the vein) to heat and fuse together the walls of the vein. EVLT uses a laser catheter to achieve a similar result and foam can be injected into veins to prevent blood flowing in them. The newer techniques are not yet widely available and though clinical trials are ongoing, results will not be published for some time. | ||||||||
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varicose skin changes | ||||||||
Groin wound 6 weeks after operation | ||||||||
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Varicose veins Thread veins Foam sclerotherapy Sweating Hyperhidrosis Botox
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