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Varicose veins
Varicose veins
Dilated superficial veins can take the form of telangiectasias, reticular veins or truncal veins. Although the causes are not fully known, they are more frequent in women and there is a hereditary tendency for this type of pathology. Pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, use of contraceptives, obesity, trauma and long periods of standing are known to be aggravating factors. Physical exercise, weight reduction and compression with elastic stockings can stop the progression of the disease but do not prevent the appearance of new injuries.
SCLEROTHERAPY OR SCLEROSIS
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins of all sizes, from thin vessels (telangiectasias) to thicker truncal veins. A sclerosing agent (polidocanol, among others) is injected into the veins through a very fine needle, which destroys their inner lining (endothelium). The veins collapse, become obstructed and without blood flow inside them, become fibrous and are reabsorbed.
Sclerotherapy relieves the symptoms of varicose veins and strokes in most patients. With this treatment, varicose veins and effusions can be resolved at an early stage, helping to prevent future complications.
Several sessions may be necessary depending on the type and number of varicose veins or effusions to be treated, with one or several injections per session, the procedure being performed in the office. Normal activities can be resumed immediately and treatment causes minimal discomfort.
PERCUTANEOUS LASER / IPL
The ability of laser or pulsed light (IPL) to cross the skin without damaging it, acting on the deeper veins, constitutes the rationale for the use of these methods in the treatment of varicose veins and effusions. The use of laser and IPL requires well-trained professionals to avoid complications that can arise in inexperienced hands. The results are excellent and the treatments are well tolerated.
SURGERY
Venous surgery of the lower limbs to remove varicose veins can be carried out using several methods of increasing complexity.
AMBULATORY PHLEBOTOMY
Ambulatory phlebotomy is a surgical method for removing superficial varicose veins. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. Small incisions are used that do not leave scars.
ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY WITH LASER
This is a state-of-the-art surgical treatment that consists of inserting an optical fiber into the affected vein, usually the great or small saphenous vein. The procedure is carried out under regional or local anesthesia and requires only a short recovery period of two to four hours, after which the patient can be discharged.
CONVENTIONAL SURGERY
Conventional surgery is intended for cases whose characteristics or severity prevent the use of one of the methods described above. It can be performed using local, epidural or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis (discharged after four hours of recovery).