The varicose vein surgery with endovenous laser reduces varicose veins through the application of heat from a laser. Varicose veins are enlarged, protruding veins that usually can be seen at the thighs and calves. A laser
is an apparatus that emits a tiny light-shaped beam of radiation.
Scar tissue forms inside the vessel and the varicose vein shrinks and closes after the laser surgery. Thus, it seals the vein. Later, blood flows through other veins.
Why may I require endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
If your varicose veins are inflamed or sore, your doctor will likely recommend laser surgery on the inflammation. You can also be recommended to undergo laser surgery if you have inflamed skin that is lying above the varicose veins.
Varicose veins are quite uncomfortable and not a serious health matter. It may not be aesthetically pleasing for you either.
What should I prepare for before undergoing endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
Discuss the procedure with your doctor. You can ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
You will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure. If the details are not clear to you, study the form carefully and seek clarification.
Your doctor is to ask you about your medical history. They may also do a physical examination on you. This is to ensure that before the treatment, you are fit. More testing, such as blood tests, may be necessary.
If you have a bleeding disorder, tell your doctor. You'll be asked to inform your doctor about all the drugs that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other drugs that include heparin, coumadin, or any other blood-thinning medication. You will be advised to stop the drugs before the surgery.
Inform your doctor about any allergies and sensitivities you have to latex, tape, contrast dyes, medications, or anesthesia (local or general).
Inform your doctor of all the drugs you are using. This includes prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbs and vitamins or other supplements.
Note any advice about not eating or drinking anything before you undergo your surgery.
You may be administered medication in the form of a sedative to help you relax.
Plan a safe ride home with someone after your surgery with someone.
Ask and tell your healthcare professional any questions you may have.
What happens during endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
Typically, the procedure is an outpatient surgery. Sometimes, it is done in the office of your medical doctor, and other times, it can be done at an ambulatory treatment center. It can take less than one hour to complete. You will probably be discharged on the day of the procedure. Bring loose-fitting clothes to wear on the day of the procedure.
This is often used for endovenous laser varicose vein surgery:
You'll be placed on an exam table and dressed in a hospital gown. The table will likely be tilted at different angles. You might get some goggles or spectacles before the procedure. These protect your eyes from the light of the laser.
Your healthcare provider will make the area of your body to be penetrated with a catheter or tube numb. Additionally, your healthcare provider will give you a numbing shot or injection along the vein to be treated.
Before the surgery and during it, the healthcare professional will check the vein in order to use a Doppler ultrasonography instrument. This procedure shows an image of the vein on a computer screen using sound waves.
Your healthcare professional will make a small incision or cut in the skin to put in the catheter. The varicose vein will be the guide. A laser fiber will be put through the catheter. The laser will heat the vein while your healthcare practitioner carefully removes the catheter. The vein will constrict and finally shrink.
The procedure normally takes less than an hour. The catheter's entry site can be so small that sutures won't be needed. A dressing will be applied to the site.
What happens after endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
You will be encouraged to walk thirty minutes to an hour after surgery.
You may have some minor bruising on your leg. These bruises should disappear within two weeks.
After treatment, you'll require a driver to take you home.
At home
Once you return home, be sure to follow any instructions your provider has given you. Depending on the incision sites, you may be advised to:
Apply ice to each area affected for a time of 15 minutes. That will reduce swelling.
Check the areas of the incisions daily. Light pink fluid on the bandage is normal.
For at least 48 hours, you should not wet the incision areas. You might need to use a sponge bath until the bandages are removed.
You may be asked to wear compression stockings for a few days or weeks. These stockings tightly hug your legs. It will reduce the chances of leg swelling caused by fluid in your legs. That helps you avoid blood clotting or pooling in your legs.
Avoid staying too long sitting or lying in bed. If you sit, keep your leg elevated.
Don't stay in one place for so long.
Take a brisk 10 to 20-minute walk three times a day. Follow this for a week or two.
Stay active, but don't run, jump, or lift heavy things for a week or two.
Avoid hot baths for a week or two.
Regarding medication, make sure you:
Use OTC pain medications only as prescribed by your doctor and as few times as possible. Some of these medications exacerbate the hemorrhaging.
If you have been on blood thinners, get clarification from your doctor on when you should resume or restart it.
During your follow-up visit, your doctor would probably like to see you. He might use ultrasonography to ensure that the laser surgery was a success.
What are the benefits of endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
EVLA, or endovenous laser ablation, is a procedure that treats varicose veins and offers several advantages. These benefits include:
Less pain: It means that there is minimal healing with pain compared to the traditional vein stripping.
Faster recovery: You may be able to lead your life normally soon after surgery.
Scarring is minimal since only very tiny cuts are made on your skin.
More complication-reducing: Compared with the conventional vein stripping, EVLA has fewer complications.
High success rate is coupled with low recurrence: EVLA is characterized by high success rate and low recurrence.
Long-term effectiveness: EVLA has long-term effectiveness.
What are the risks associated with endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
Every surgery carries some risk. Among the dangers of laser varicose vein surgery are:
Infection
Pain throughout the vein
Hemorrhage
Contusions
Neurotrauma
Exterior vein reddening or swelling (inflammation)
Thrombus formation
Manifestations of skin color variations above treated vein
Thermal injuries
Depending on your overall health condition, you may be at risk for other things. It is important to discuss with your doctors.
What is the duration of recovery?
The recovery period from the treatment is relatively short compared to vein stripping and other methods. Such a procedure lasts three to seven days, though the recovery period may vary depending on the real capacity of each patient's healing process.
When should I call the doctor?
Schedule a consultation with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Signs of infection in the treated area: Some signs include warmth, redness, or fluid coming from the wound.
Increasing swelling or you have swelling that you have not had before
Any pain that may make it impossible to carry out your daily activities
You may be given more instructions by your healthcare professional.
Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the finest vascular surgeons specialized in endovenous laser varicose vein surgery. Tender Palm stands out as the one of the best hospital for vascular surgeries in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.
To seek an expert consultation for any vascular condition