How is the treatment of varicose veins on the legs treated with a laser?

Varicose leg disease is not only a cosmetic problem, but also a serious pathology that is accompanied by dangerous health consequences. Treatment of varicose veins with a laser is one of the most modern, less traumatic and reliable ways to cope with the disease at an early stage. It allows to achieve an excellent aesthetic effect, is characterized by a minimal risk of complications and a short rehabilitation period.

Traditional drug therapy in combination with exercise therapy and wearing corrective clothes also gives good results, but does not eliminate the underlying cause of the disease. To radically solve the problem of patients with blood vessels, surgical intervention is required. Classical surgery for removal( phlebectomy) is difficult to tolerate by patients, since it is very traumatic and is accompanied by a high risk of infectious complications. This method is gradually becoming a thing of the past. It is replaced by minimally invasive procedures( sclerotherapy, laser therapy), which give an excellent result and allow quickly and painlessly to get rid of varicose veins.

Laser treatment: the essence of

procedure With varicose veins, laser correction is considered the most reliable and effective method of treatment. This method is based on the use of a thermal effect for the coagulation of blood vessels. Simply put, a light guide inserted into a damaged vessel during an operation radiates a flow of energy. This radiation is absorbed by the hemoglobin of the blood with the release of heat, which heats the blood cells and the walls of the vessel. As a result, blood is squeezed out of the vessel, and the vein itself is "sealed."The blood flow stops completely, and the venous outflow from the surrounding tissues is already carried out through other, healthy veins.

Wearing compressive linen after treatment of varicose veins with a laser fixes the effect, creating additional pressure on the vessel and not allowing blood flow to be restored in the damaged vein. The vessel overgrows with a connective tissue. Observance of preventive measures of varicose veins will not allow the development of the defeat of other veins, so that the disease will be cured forever.

Advantage of the method in its low traumaticity, absence of blood loss and extensive incisions. And since there is no entrance gate for infection, the danger of damage to neighboring tissues and possible complications is minimized.

Treatment of varicose veins with a laser is a low-traumatic procedure, it does not require special training and is performed under local anesthesia. The operation is carried out only in a specialized medical institution, ultrasound monitoring is performed in real time during the operation. That is, the surgeon uses ultrasound to track the progress of the LED across the vein. Before the operation, the patient must undergo the necessary examination, during which the location of the affected venous vessel is clarified and the most optimal method of laser coagulation is selected.

When the operation is prescribed:

indications Varicose expansion of the subcutaneous veins( large and small) is the basis for carrying out the operation for the treatment of varicose veins with a laser. The laser is used in the event that the mouth of these veins is dilated by no more than 1 cm, the vessels themselves have a smooth course without sharp bends, and their branches are healthy or slightly dilated. That is, the laser is effective only at the initial stage of varicose, with a small degree of severity of the process and only when applied to the subcutaneous veins. If the disease is started and the affected vessel is dilated by more than 1 cm, there is a high probability that in the future the vein will again become "unstuck" and the treatment will be ineffective.

Medical laser has a curative effect on a very small area - this avoids its negative impact on surrounding tissues. Therefore, the use of laser therapy in large areas of damaged vessels, as well as deep veins, is ineffective. In these cases, it is necessary to use other methods of surgical treatment, more suitable for this situation( for example, classical phlebectomy).

Contraindications

In addition to the cases when the laser is ineffective, there are situations when its application can harm a patient's health. There are a lot of contraindications to the laser procedure, they can be divided into absolute and relative ones:

Absolute contraindications

Absolute contraindications can not be performed cure. The list of such conditions include:

• susceptibility to thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
• chronic disorders of blood and lymph circulation in the legs;
• severe lesions of the veins.

With these diseases, the laser can damage the walls of the vessels or provoke massive thrombosis of the veins. Also, contraindications include the inability to actively move and wear compression knitwear. Without these measures in the postoperative period, laser treatment can completely lose its effectiveness, and besides, it can provoke inflammation in the vessel.

Relative contraindications

Relative contraindications are those in which the operation should be postponed for a while. These are inflammatory processes on the skin of the legs, especially near the site of the future puncture, exacerbation of chronic diseases. In this case, it is necessary to first treat the associated pathologies, and only then to perform the operation. If this is not done, then the risk of complications in the postoperative period is very high, both from the operated veins and from the disease that has become a contraindication to laser treatment.

The operation should not be performed during pregnancy and lactation, because during this period the immunity is weakened, and the load on the lower limbs is higher than usual. For the same reason, it is difficult to perform laser treatment of varicose veins in people who are overweight - they tolerate anesthesia worse, and complications in the postoperative period are possible because of the heavy burden on the legs.

Description of the treatment procedure for varicose veins on the legs with the laser

Despite the high cost of treatment for varicose veins on the legs with a laser, this procedure is gaining increasing popularity due to its simplicity and efficiency. To determine the presence of indications for surgery, pre-duplex ultrasound. It helps to see the structure of the veins, the degree of their damage and the violation of blood flow. If the condition of the patient's vessels allows for laser treatment, then an operation is prescribed.

No special patient is required on the day of the special procedure. If necessary, you can take a sedative. Before the operation, another duplex angioscanning is performed, all manipulations take place under the supervision of ultrasound. A small operation scale avoids general anesthesia and associated complications - laser treatment is performed under local anesthesia, which anesthetizes the puncture site.

The essence of the operation for the treatment of varicose veins by the laser is that through a small puncture in the skin of the shin, a fiber is inserted into the damaged vessel, connected to the laser apparatus. Then, laser radiation causes coagulation of the damaged vessel, after which the light guide is removed, the puncture site is treated with a local antiseptic, and a sterile bandage is applied to it. The operation itself lasts about 15 -30 minutes( for the treatment of one leg).

After forced lying on the operating table, it is recommended to move slowly and gradually to the vertical position - first sit down, and only then get up. This will avoid vascular collapse with a sharp change in body position. There are no other restrictions. Some time after the procedure, the patient can go home.

Postoperative period

Before the operation, the patient needs to pre-purchase compression underwear - stockings or pantyhose. The degree of compression is discussed with the doctor in advance.

Read how to choose the right compression linen.

After the removal of varicose veins with a laser, immediately put on the compression stocking on the leg. During the first two days of wearing it you need to constantly, without removing. Then, if there are no complications, the doctor will allow you to take off the therapeutic clothes for the night. The duration of wearing medical knitwear gradually decreases as the operated vessel is finally overgrown with connective tissue. Because of the need to wear compression linen, the operation is tried to be prescribed during the cold season so that the patient does not experience discomfort while wearing stockings for a long time. In addition, the health of patients with vascular disease is much better in cooler weather than in the heat.

In the first week after the treatment of varicose veins, the laser should avoid heavy loads on the legs, lifting weights, you can not visit the bath, sauna or pool. In the future, you need to gradually increase the degree of physical activity. Recommended walking, running and biking, aerobics, swimming. The patient can go in for sports, walk for long distances, drive a vehicle. The contraction of the striated muscles of the legs will perform the function of an additional pump, and help improve venous outflow from the lower limbs. This is a natural mechanism, the use of which will help to avoid recurrence of varicose veins after surgery.

Getting started, if it is not associated with a lot of physical activity or a prolonged standing on your legs, you can almost immediately, even on the day of the operation. The feasible work around the house can also be performed a few days after the intervention. You can walk and need to be in the first minutes after the operation, wearing compression underwear.

Possible complications

Treatment of varicose veins with a laser is particularly popular due to a short rehabilitation period, no pain and minimal risk of complications. Nevertheless, they are not completely excluded. During surgery, pain can occur if the anesthesia is not properly performed. After the procedure, the pain syndrome can manifest in the course of the operated vein. If the pain is not weakened for two days, you should definitely consult a doctor - this may be a sign of serious complications.

Errors in manipulation can cause burns of the skin and soft tissues, hematomas at the puncture site, suppuration and inflammation. In rare cases, thrombosis of veins, including deep veins, is possible, which leads to a marked deterioration in the patient's condition. Immediately consult a doctor if:

• during the first two days of pain during the vein and at the puncture site does not weaken or intensify;
• on the skin near the puncture site there were signs of inflammation - redness and increased local temperature, the appearance of purulent foci;
• when walking, there are pain in the muscles of the legs, swelling, a feeling of heaviness;
• appeared pathological pigmentation on the skin of the legs;
• rose temperature;
• there were other unpleasant sensations in the legs - a violation of sensitivity, paresthesia.

In order to diagnose these complications in time, it is recommended to see the doctor - phlebologist on the second day after the operation and then regularly visit the scheduled examination.

Prevention measures

Experts advise to adhere to simple preventive measures to prevent possible relapse of the disease:

• it is necessary to monitor your weight and not allow the appearance of extra pounds;
• should avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position, get rid of the habit of sitting in a "leg-to-foot" position;
• recommends correct and adequate nutrition, rejection of bad habits( smoking, alcohol);
• shoes need to choose a comfortable, made of natural materials and on a small, steady heel;
• should abandon a sedentary lifestyle, try to move more, do sports and not give up moderate physical exertion.

The advantages of laser therapy for veins

Laser treatment of varicose veins has a number of significant advantages over other methods of surgical intervention. Let's list the main advantages of laser therapy:

• there is no need to put the patient in a hospital, the procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis;
• surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which is well tolerated by patients;
• procedure allows to achieve an excellent cosmetic effect, since access to the affected vein is carried out through a small puncture. Because there are no incisions, the skin does not leave any scars or other defects;
• using modern equipment allows to evenly scatter laser radiation inside a vein and to achieve its high-quality processing. As a result, after intervention on the skin, there is no hematoma;
• during the laser procedure can be processed simultaneously both legs, manipulations take only 30 -40 minutes;
• is a short and painless rehabilitation period. An hour after the operation, the patient returns home, and in a few days can return to the usual way of life;
• to date, laser vascular coagulation is considered the most effective and safe method of treatment of varicose veins, which allows to avoid complications( thrombophlebitis, secondary infections).

Laser Treatments Disadvantages

For all its attractiveness, this method has a number of drawbacks, among which:

• impossibility of applying the laser therapy method for severe varicose veins;
• in cases where the diameter of the saphenous vein is too large, it will be necessary to combine laser therapy with classical surgical intervention and to avoid incisions on the skin will not succeed;
• is another inconvenience - it is compulsory to wear compression underwear for 7 days after the operation;
• the main disadvantage for many patients - "biting" prices for the procedure.

Before deciding on laser therapy, you should weigh the pros and cons, undergo a full examination and get advice from an experienced specialist.

The cost of laser treatment for varicose veins

The price of laser variceal treatment is one of the significant drawbacks of this method. It can vary widely, depending on the degree of complexity, the individual characteristics of the patient, the equipment used, the status of the clinic and the qualifications of the surgeons. On average, the procedure will cost 28 000 - 40 000 rubles. But to this sum it is necessary to add still expenses for inspection, diagnostics and consultation of phlebologist. However, the operation is not urgent, and its conduct and financial expenses associated with the intervention can be planned in advance.

Reviews on the treatment of varicose veins with a laser are generally positive. Patients say that the procedure is carried over easily and during manipulations, pain sensations are practically absent. Some discomfort is felt only at the time of puncture and the introduction of a fiber into the vein. The postoperative period also passes easily, without serious complications, although many patients report a minor traumatic pain in the course of the operated vein. But these unpleasant consequences are easily removed by taking tablet analgesics.

Reviews

Review No.1

For the first time with the manifestations of varicose veins I had to face during pregnancy. But I could not think of any operation at that time. After the birth of the little girl, life centered around her: sleepless nights, nursing, feeding. When I again came to the doctor's office, it became clear that the disease was progressing, and the medications would not help much. The doctor recommended laser therapy. In the end, everything went well, there was no pain, only after the intervention felt the discomfort and pulling sensations in the leg. To properly distribute the load, immediately after the procedure, put on the compression stockings. To return to a habitual way of life could already in some days and it is very happy with result.

Alfia, Sterlitamak

Review No. 2

The veins on my legs began to show after 30 years. Over time, the condition worsened, I had to go to the phlebologist at a paid clinic. The doctor said that the best option for me is laser coagulation. The operation was done under local anesthesia, the diseased vein was "sealed" along the entire length through an inconspicuous puncture. After the procedure, pulling stockings were put on the leg to evenly distribute the load and forced to walk around the ward. Two hours later they let us go home. There were no traces of intervention on the leg, and a small bruise on the puncture site disappeared after a few days.

Karina, Usman

Review No.3

Three months ago, a painful vein was removed on the leg with a laser. The operation went without complications. A small discomfort was only when the instrument was injected into a vein. The very next day after the procedure I was able to return to my usual life, even the sick leave sheet did not have to be taken. The procedure is expensive, for 1 foot had to lay out more than 35 000 rubles, but it is worth this money.

Valery, Togliatti