Varicose veins in pregnancy: what are the possible treatments? Let's find out together. The article is made with the advice (2022) of Christine Schwahn-Schreiber, German vascular surgeon and vein specialist.
In this article
- Varicose veins, who to turn to
- How is the operation carried out?
- Is sclerosis still relevant?
- How does radio wave therapy work?
- Is there a laser treatment for varicose veins?
- The CHIVA technique
Varicose veins, who to turn to
A specialized doctor, a surgeon or a dermatologist with a specialization in phlobology (a vein specialist).
How is the operation carried out?
The classic procedure: the doctor makes a cut above the groin and below the leg, separates the vein from the system, stitches up the end parts left in the body, and removes (the action is called "stripping") the detached vein. With the so-called cryo-stripping, only the upper cut is necessary; a catheter is then introduced up to the lower end of the vein, which is frozen at minus 85 ° C, and once frozen it is detached and removed from above. There is also another variant to this operation: the phlebectomy according to Muller. For this operation, several 1-2 mm cuts are made along the diseased vein, then pieces of the same vein are extracted from these cuts by means of a crochet.
Is sclerosis still relevant?
Yes, because this method has given good results, and it has been improved. With sclerotization an alcoholic compound is injected into the vein, an inflammation is created and subsequently a sort of crust, and the vein closes from the inside. A new variant is foam sclerotherapy: in this case the sclerotising agent is made foamy before injection, so that it is more stable. In large veins the liquid agent can in fact be carried away by the blood, in this way the vein does not close everywhere and therefore the varice can reform. The foam, on the other hand, sticks better to the walls of the vein than the liquid agent. Dermatologist Stücker says: "So far we have had good results with foam sclerotherapy. However, we are not yet in possession of long-term results."
Is there a laser treatment for varicose veins?
Of course it exists. Some doctors propose it; others, on the other hand, keep well away from it. Schwahn-Schreiber says: "The laser energy capable of safely closing veins has not yet been discovered. The laser can be set too hot, thus producing burns. Or too cold, and thus the vein does not close. "
How does radio wave therapy work?
Somehow it follows the principle of sclerotization: A probe is pushed from the vein of origin in the knee area into the diseased vein up to the groin. Once it reaches the top, the tip is heated up to 85 ° C and then slowly lowered down again millimeter by millimeter. The vein cooks and closes.
The CHIVA technique
With this method the diseased vein is left in the body. The doctor looks for which valve no longer closes, then ties the vein there with small threads.
Prevention is always better than cure
Engaging in light aerobic sports: walking or cycling.
Swim: water pressure acts like a compression sock; furthermore, the fresh water squeezes the vessels.
Avoid the sun, saunas, solarium or hot baths.
Massage the legs with movements in the direction of the heart. It is not necessary to use specific creams for the veins: each skin cream, preferably cold, has the same beneficial effect.
Avoid tight jeans, which cut the crotch when sitting.
From sessions to do gymnastics for the feet from time to time.
As often as possible, lift your legs high. Place the foot end of the bed five centimeters higher.
Last tip: it is better to lie down or walk rather than sit or stand still.
Read also: Get rid of varicose veins
