What is Varicotomy?
Varicotomy is the surgical procedure to remove varicose
veins.
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Effects of Varicotomy
This procedure will prevent varicose veins from becoming
increasingly large and make it appear less obvious.
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Candidates for Varicotomy
Although varicose veins are a common problem, women have a
much higher incidence of this disease than men. Those
who are concerned about how their veins look and feel,
should consult a doctor.
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Your
Consultation
Normally, varicose veins can usually be seen by the naked
eye. In cases where varicose veins are suspected but cannot
be seen, a physician may frequently detect them by palpation
(pressing with the fingers). X-rays or ultrasound tests can
also detect varicose veins in the deep and perforator veins
and rule out blood clots in the deep veins.
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The Varicotomy
Procedure
The usual
method to remove varicose veins from the body is through
surgery. This is recommended for varicose veins that are
causing pain or are very unsightly, and when hemorrhaging or
recurrent thrombosis appear. In surgery, an incision is made
through the skin at both ends of the section of vein being
removed. Then a flexible wire is inserted through one end
and extended to the other. The wire is then withdrawn, and
the vein is pulled out with it. This is called "stripping"
and is the most common way to remove superficial varicose
veins. As long as the deeper veins are still functioning
properly, a person can live without some of the superficial
veins. Because of this, stripped varicose veins are not
replaced anymore.
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Recovery
After
surgery, there would be a significant pain in the leg and
recovery time of 1 to 4 weeks is expected, depending on the
extent of surgery. Patients
can resume normal activities within a few weeks time.
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Risks
As
with any other surgery, the side effects include breathing
problems with general anesthesia, bleeding, infection,
inflammation, swelling and redness. Specific risks to this
procedure include scarring, damage of nerve tissue around
the treated vein and a deep vein blood clot.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What are varicose veins?
A:
Varicose veins are superficial vessels that are
abnormally lengthened, twisted, or dilated, seen most often
on the legs and thighs. Varicose veins develop
spontaneously, and are generally attributed to a hereditary
weakness of the vein; the valves in the vein that keep the
blood circulating upward toward the heart are usually
incompetent.
Q:
What causes varicose veins?
A:
There are
various causes of varicose veins and lifestyle and hormonal
factors play a role. Some families appear to have a higher
incidence of varicose veins, indicating that there may be a
hereditary component to this disease. Varicose veins are
progressive; when one section of the veins weakens, it
results to an increased pressure on adjacent sections of
veins. These sections often develop varicosities. Varicose
veins can appear after
pregnancy,
thrombophlebitis, congenital blood vessel weakness or
obesity, but is not limited to these conditions.
Q:
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
A:
Symptoms
can include aching,
pain, itchiness or burning sensations, especially when
standing. In some cases, with chronically bad veins, there
may be a brownish discoloration of the skin or ulcers near
the ankles.
Q: Can
varicose veins return after treatment?
A:
New
treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very
high success rates compared to traditional surgical
treatments. However, over a period of years, more abnormal
veins can develop because there is no cure for weak vein
valves. So with time, pressure gradually builds up in the
veins on the legs.
Q: Is
there some way to prevent varicose veins from occurring?
A:
The
most important thing a person can do to slow down the
development of new varicose veins is to wear graduated
compression support stockings as much as possible throughout
the day.
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