In most cases varicose veins can cause no symptoms at all and will merely be a cosmetic concern. However, to others varicose veins can cause discomfort, aching, heaviness, fatigue, burning, throbbing, cramps.
If left untreated, in a minority of patients varicose veins can cause more serious problems such as chronic venous insufficiency; ulceration or bleeding.
It is important that you are assessed by a vascular surgeon to prevent any serious complications.
Treatments
The traditional treatment for varicose veins is called vein stripping. It is a major surgical procedure usually done under general anaesthesia. Incisions are made either in the groin or behind the knee. An instrument is then passed along the vein and the entire length of the vessel is inverted and removed through the incision in the skin.
Varicose veins surgery is not only painful and causes extensive bruising, but research has shown that veins that are stripped grow back in almost a quarter of patients.
At The Private Clinic we offer a simpler, less invasive treatment which involves removing varicose veins by laser under local anesthetic (so called EVLT).
EVLT has been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) which is part of the NHS and assess the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments.
The procedure begins with an ultrasound scan to mark the position of the vein. Local anaesthetic is injected around the vein to ease any discomfort. A fine probe is then inserted through a small incision, usually near the knee. Laser energy is delivered in short pulses to seal the faulty vein so that blood cannot flow through. The leg is then bandages to reduce swelling and bruising.
The benefits to have your varicose veins removed by laser rather than surgery include:
- The procedure usually takes only 45m to 1h
- No need of general anesthetic
- Less bruising after the operation
- You can return to normal activities more quickly
If you are not suitable for EVLT, our vascular surgeons will be able to recommend an alternative treatment among the ones mentioned below:
Sclerotherapy (liquid or foam)
This involves injecting a chemical into your varicose veins which damages the veins, causing them to close. Liquid sclerotherapy is often used to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins. For larger veins, foam sclerotherapy is sometimes used.
The operation takes less than 30 minutes and is done under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during treatment.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy is a method of removing varicose veins and spider veins on the surface of the legs. It is done under local anesthesia. This procedure involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required.
During your consultation your vascular surgeon will explain your options to you and help you decide which treatment is best for you.
You can book your consultation online or call 0800 599 9911
