Enlarged superficial veins in the legs – or superficial varicosities are among the most common vascular diseases. It is estimated that up to 40% of the adult population to a greater or lesser extent have varicose veins in the legs. Varicose veins can cause only minimal discomfort and remain solely a cosmetic problem, however, patients commonly report pain, leg heaviness, itching, leg swelling and alike. It should also be mentioned that the intensity of discomfort does not correlate with the extent of changes perceived visually. The long-term problems can result in skin color and skin quality changes in the lower leg with ulcers that are slow to heal and prone to relapse.
Treatment of varicose veins requires an individualized treatment plan. Objective clinical findings, subjective discomfort perception and Doppler US result should be taken into consideration.
Surgical treatment, depending on the above results, includes one or several procedures as follows: extirpation (vein stripping) of either a portion or an entire saphenous vein - the long saphenous vein (LSV) or the short saphenous vein (SSV), extirpation of detached venous convolutes, ligation of a saphenous vein - LSV or SSV, radiofrequency ablation of the LSV, and sclerotherapy of teleangiectasies and reticular veins. The type of anesthesia depends on the type of surgery or procedure being performed. General, spinal or only local anesthesia may be offered. Depending on the extent of the procedure, patients are able to go home either the same day after surgery or the next day with specific instructions for their further use of compression therapy (elastic bandages or elastic compression stockings).
