It is estimated that 20 to 50% of the population suffers from vein diseases. This is not surprising. Throughout our lives, we cover a distance of about 80,000 kilometers. During this time, our legs are constantly exposed to various types of injuries. Additionally, factors such as fatigue, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, addictions, and lifestyle diseases contribute to the problem. It is important to prevent changes that are dangerous to the patient’s health and life with the help of doctors. Prevention and properly conducted treatment of varicose veins will help maintain the veins in the lower limbs in good condition throughout life.
Table of Contents:
- Where Do Vein Diseases Come From?
- Symptoms and Consequences of Vein Diseases
- Consequences of Untreated Varicose Veins
- Types of Varicose Veins
- Telangiectasia
- Reticular Varicose Veins
- Varicose Veins of the Main Venous Trunks
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Necessary Medical Examinations
- Modern Methods of Treating Vein Diseases
- Sclerotherapy
- SVS – Varicose Vein Treatment with Steam
- VariClose – Varicose Vein Treatment with Special Glue
- Traditional Methods of Treating Vein Diseases
- Muller’s Miniphlebectomy
- Babcock’s Method Surgery
- Possible Complications After Varicose Vein Surgery
- Recurrence of Varicose Veins
- Wound Infections
Where Do Vein Diseases Come From?
Every vein contains valves that control blood flow. The role of these valves is to prevent blood from pooling in one place, as gravity causes blood to automatically flow downwards. Well-functioning valves direct the flow and ensure that blood does not accumulate excessively in one area. Damaged valves allow blood to pass into the veins of the lower limbs, which over time expand to accommodate the excess fluid, ultimately leading to varicose veins.
In reality, it is not known what causes the valves to malfunction. If medicine understood the answer to this question, instead of removing diseased veins, we would treat them.
However, varicose veins can be prevented. Medicine can identify who should particularly closely monitor changes occurring in their legs:
- Genetic predisposition: The more family members are affected by vein diseases, the higher the risk of occurrence in subsequent generations.
- Standing posture: The average Pole weighs 83 kg and Polish women 65 kg. This is quite significant. If our work requires us to stand for many hours, the risk of illness automatically increases. Those at the highest risk include representatives of professions such as salespeople, hairdressers, gastronomy workers, and even doctors and nurses.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Over just a few months, body weight drastically increases, and the pressure in the abdominal cavity also raises blood pressure. Future and young mothers should pay particular attention to changes in their lower limbs.
- Obesity: It is dangerous in itself. With every additional kilogram, the risk of developing many diseases increases, and blood vessels are particularly sensitive. Blood has trouble flowing through fatty veins. Additionally, pressure in the limbs increases, which also promotes the formation of varicose veins.
- Low physical activity: It should be remembered that metabolism slows with age. If we also lack exercise, the risk of overweight and obesity automatically increases, and consequently, including varicose veins.
- Wearing very tight clothing: Clothes that are too tight hinder blood flow in the veins. Constant pressure can lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Symptoms and Consequences of Vein Diseases
The human body operates like a well-programmed computer. However, regular inspections and repair of worn-out parts are necessary over time. Unfortunately, many of our future patients treat varicose veins solely as a cosmetic defect and accept them as something natural – a consequence of age or pregnancy. We remind you that we only have one body for life. And vein diseases are associated with many serious, often life-threatening health complications.
If you notice the following symptoms in yourself, make sure to register for examination with a phlebologist – a specialist in vein diseases:
- Feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs.
- Swelling around the ankles – especially visible at the end of the day or after prolonged standing. This symptom is often trivialized because the problem usually disappears in the morning. Some patients associate this discomfort with wearing too tight socks.
- Night calf cramps.
- Spider veins – small veins that may appear anywhere on the leg.
- Bulging veins.
- Visible, twisted vein system – indicating an already developed disease.
Our record holders at Medicus-Bonus were able to wait and suffer for decades before deciding to come to the clinic for consultation with a phlebologist – a specialist in vein diseases.
Instead of delaying or trying to treat themselves with popular products on the market, we recommend immediately consulting a specialist doctor. Advertised products only reduce symptoms but do not cure vein diseases. Remember that medicine does not know the direct cause of the disease, so it is impossible to invent an effective drug.
Consequences of Untreated Varicose Veins
We remind you that varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem. Even if we hide them under clothing, they remain dangerous to our health and, in extreme cases, even life-threatening.
- Neglected disease leads to intensified clinical symptoms in the form of progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous fat tissue of the shin and skin changes. Further delay in starting treatment results in ulceration – a weeping wound appears. It opens the door to potential danger and in extreme cases may affect the entire shin. Amputation of the limb may then be the only possible treatment.
- Thrombophlebitis – characterized by painful swelling and redness of the skin at the site of inflammation. Blue veins are visible on it.
- Deep vein thrombosis – swelling and pain in the entire shin or limb. It can be the source of the most serious complication – pulmonary embolism. The disease, before it strikes, proceeds asymptomatic. At the same time, after a heart attack and stroke, it is the third sudden cause of death in patients. We should be particularly concerned about coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Erysipelas – the attacked skin has a bright red color, is warmer than healthy tissue, and painful to the touch. The disease is caused by bacteria. Due to its specificity, it greatly complicates the treatment of varicose veins and there is a risk of recurrence.
Types of Varicose Veins
Varicose vein disease is very insidious, and it is difficult for someone without specialized medical knowledge to determine how advanced the changes in the blood vessels are. Therefore, regular checking of the condition of the legs is very important.
Specialist doctors distinguish several types of varicose veins:
Telangiectasia
They are also known as venulectasies and are nothing more than enlarged venous vessels located very shallowly in the skin. They reach a size of about 1 millimeter. They are mainly a cosmetic defect and occasionally cause pain. Nonetheless, it is worth considering their removal, as legs with many such varicose veins look sick and neglected.
Reticular Varicose Veins
They are several times larger than telangiectasias and reach a size of about 2-4 millimeters. Their favorite place on the leg is the area below the knee and the lateral surface of the limb. Patients rarely seek help for them, as they usually do not hurt and do not cause swelling. Legs with reticular varicose veins, however, look ill. The procedure will allow you to get rid of them and restore beautiful, healthy legs.
Varicose Veins of the Main Venous Trunks
These are varicose veins of the saphenous and/or perforating veins. They are located just under the skin. Those visible most often on the medial part of the limb are called varicose veins of the saphenous vein. If they are on the back surface of the shin, we are dealing with varicose veins of the perforating vein. Both types already have a larger diameter than those described above. They require treatment because they contribute to the development of chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
It is a syndrome of symptoms resulting from persistent enlargement of venous vessels and the associated increase in venous pressure. Initially, patients usually develop slight swelling around the ankles, especially in the evenings. Over time, pains in the shin, muscle cramps, and finally varicose veins appear. If the patient does not undergo treatment, skin and subcutaneous fat tissue hardening occurs, along with trophic changes in the skin, i.e., discolorations and inflammatory changes. Eventually, ulceration develops on the shin – usually on its medial surface above the ankle. This is already the last call for treatment.
We recommend paying special attention to varicose veins and having check-ups with a phlebologist at least once a year.
Necessary Medical Examinations
Doctors recommend that once a year, during routine check-ups, patients should consult with a specialist in vein diseases – a phlebologist. This is especially recommended for people at risk, i.e., genetically burdened and spending most of the day standing.
The medical examination is completely painless and should take no more than half an hour. However, first, the doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient about their health. Be prepared that before diagnosing a Doppler ultrasound, the specialist will ask us to undress from the waist down and remain in our underwear. The patency of the venous system examination is an ultrasonographic examination involving the application and sliding of the gel-coated head over the skin surface.
In the case of Doppler ultrasound, it is very important that the same specialist performs and reads the results of the examination. This avoids any errors in interpreting the ultrasound record.
At Medicus-Bonus, we have excellent doctors who take care of the patient from the first medical consultation to postoperative care.
If the test result indicates the need for continued treatment in hospital conditions, our doctor, together with the patient, discusses the possible path to recovery. The list of tests necessary before hospitalization is given to the patient by the attending physician.
Modern Methods of Treating Vein Diseases
When it comes to modern methods of treating varicose veins, Medicus-Bonus Hospital is considered a pioneer. Our specialists not only perform procedures but also train other surgeons in the country and around the world. We have thousands of successful operations and satisfied patients behind us.
We are proponents of patient cooperation. Depending on the stage of the disease, the doctor and the patient choose the most convenient treatment path.
By opting for one of the modern methods of treating varicose veins, the patient gains primarily time.
- They come to the hospital on the day of the procedure.
- Postoperative hospitalization is not necessary.
- Depending on the work performed, the patient can return to it even the next day after the procedure.
- Special compression stockings are worn for up to 2 weeks after the procedure.
- The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the skin, so there are no visible scars on the legs.
- Thanks to minimally invasive methods, the body is not overly burdened
Sclerotherapy
This is a method for treating minor varicose veins. It involves injecting a special sclerosing agent into the diseased vein using very fine insulin needles. „Obliteration” literally means removal. This is achieved with the injected foam as well. The vein shrinks, fibroses, and becomes invisible within a few days. The sclerotherapy procedure is typically performed without anesthesia in outpatient conditions and usually lasts 20-30 minutes. For treating telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins, we use polidocanol at concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 1%. After the procedure, a compression bandage is applied to the limb, which the patient wears as directed by the doctor. Achieving satisfactory results often requires several injection sessions, which can be repeated every 1-2 weeks. At Medicus-Bonus Hospital, we employ Tessari obliteration method, involving injecting special foam into the vein. This foam doesn’t dissolve within the vein, adhering better to the blood vessel walls, thereby minimizing post-procedural complications.
Contradictions to sclerotherapy include:
- certain types of hypertension,
- deep vein thrombosis,
- significant obesity,
- extensive bacterial skin infections,
- allergy to the sclerosing agent.
SVS – Varicose Vein Treatment with Steam
This is our recommended endovenous treatment method for vein diseases. Inefficient veins are sealed using high temperatures generated by water vapor. We employ tumescent anesthesia, injecting a saline and lidocaine solution through a cannula into the vein, ensuring painless procedure and effective heat absorption. Although not requiring regional anesthesia, numerous injections may sometimes cause discomfort. In such cases, measures are taken to prevent pain. After the procedure, patients wear compression stockings and can return to their daily activities following the doctor’s advice.
VariClose – Varicose Vein Treatment with Special Glue
This is the most advanced method for varicose vein treatment to date. Compared to other procedures, it minimizes patient discomfort related to pain. Affected vessels are closed using special adhesive, primarily targeting main trunks such as the saphenous or perforator veins. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the vein, followed by applying the adhesive and gradually withdrawing the catheter while compressing the vessel head. The closed vein gradually shrinks and disappears after a few weeks. Patients can leave the hospital almost immediately after the procedure without needing compression dressings, and they can fully resume their activities shortly thereafter.
Traditional Methods of Treating Vein Diseases
Vein removal surgery has been practiced since 1905. Although many techniques have evolved, some older methods are still used at Medicus-Bonus Hospital to complement modern treatments for better cosmetic results. Certain procedures are no longer performed but are still offered in some medical facilities.
Muller’s Miniphlebectomy
Muller’s Miniphlebectomy This method, known for almost half a century, is considered minimally invasive for treating vein diseases. It is performed under local anesthesia in a day surgery setting. Surgeons make small 1-2 mm incisions in the skin and use surgical hooks to remove varicose veins. The incisions do not require sutures and heal with practically invisible scars. After the procedure, a compression bandage is applied to the limb, which the patient wears according to the doctor’s instructions. At Medicus-Bonus Hospital, we primarily use this method to complement modern treatments for better aesthetic outcomes.
Babcock’s Method Surgery
This is the oldest method still used for varicose vein removal. It is applied to patients with saphenous vein valve incompetence. The method is highly invasive and demanding on the patient’s body, requiring a long recovery period to return to normal activities. Due to patient well-being, including long recovery and frequent post-operative complications, Medicus-Bonus Hospital does not perform procedures using this method.
Possible Complications After Varicose Vein Surgery
Every procedure carries risks, and no doctor can guarantee a complication-free outcome. Our duty is to take every possible action to prevent complications from occurring.
What could happen?
Recurrence of Varicose Veins
After removing the diseased vein, we cannot promise that varicose veins will not return. We strive to reduce this risk by relying on modern, proven methods and following recommendations from publications and scientific textbooks. We also draw from our own experience, which is used by phlebologists worldwide.
Wound Infections
Wound infections can occur due to both physician and patient factors. Hygiene is crucial, and our treatment rooms and operating theatres meet the highest safety standards. Certain infection risks also apply to:
- obese patients,
- diabetics,
- smokers,
- patients with untreated dental issues.
Even partial weight loss, smoking cessation, diabetes management, or dental visits increase the chances of a safer, complication-free procedure.
It is also important to shave leg hair before the procedure. We ask our patients not to perform this task themselves at home to reduce the risk of wound infection. If the procedure requires anesthesia, please also remove hybrid nail varnish. The patient’s condition is monitored throughout, including using a pulse oximeter on the finger. Nail varnish can distort the results.
Despite all preventive measures, patients may still experience some complications after the procedure:
Hematomas of varying sizes may cause discomfort and a mild fever. Heparin-containing medications are recommended to accelerate their absorption.
Sensory disturbances associated with nerve damage or compression. These are usually located on the front surface of the lower part of the leg around the ankle. They typically resolve spontaneously.
Lymphatic system damage and infections are very rare. The most serious complication of sclerotherapy is chemical substances entering deep veins, which can cause thrombophlebitis. Unwanted effects also include the injected substance leaking into the skin, leading to ulceration. Skin discoloration may also occur at the injection site.
We encourage anyone at risk or suspecting vein disease to consult a phlebologist in their area and undergo Doppler ultrasound examination. This article primarily serves as a knowledge compendium on vein diseases and should not be used as a diagnostic basis. For diagnosis and further treatment, we invite you to consult our specialists.