Formation of varicose veins

They occur when the deeper veins, the so-called deep veins, are subject to significant strain. They cause the blood flowing in the venous vessels to undergo a process of backflow into the superficial veins, i.e. those located more shallowly. Due to their anatomical structure, superficial veins are not adapted to transport large amounts of blood. If such a situation occurs, it causes the vessel wall to widen, excessively bulge and possibly twist, which in some cases are visible percutaneously. As a consequence of the resulting process, numerous inflammatory processes develop and blood stagnates caused by the stretched walls of the vein.

Types of varicose veins

In the case of varicose veins, as well as in the case of many other diseases, we distinguish a certain classification. We can divide them into:

• Primary varicose veins – these affect ¾ of people diagnosed with this condition. The development of primary varicose veins is the result of a congenital lack of valves, abnormal angiogenesis (vessel formation) or impaired synthesis (fusion) of elastin and collagen within the walls of veins.
• Secondary varicose veins – they arise as a result of deep venous insufficiency, previous venous thrombosis, or as a result of injury or inflammation of superficial veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins

• visible percutaneous dilated superficial veins that look like dark-colored strings or tangles with palpable bulges,
• the occurrence of swelling in the legs and feet,
• a dull or burning pain, especially after standing for a long time
• feeling of heavy legs,
• itching and tingling,
• muscle cramps

Initial symptoms are mild, but some people with advanced disease may also experience ulcerations, discoloration, or even eczema.

Diagnosis of varicose veins

The main test performed in the diagnosis of varicose veins is Doppler ultrasound. This is a non-invasive ultrasound test that aims to check blood flow, assess existing varicose veins, diagnose the occurrence of venous thrombosis and later control the post-thrombotic syndrome.

Varicose veins treatment methods in Surgery Clinic

1. Pharmacological sclerotherapy
– this is the most popular method in the case of spider veins or varicose veins in the early stages, which is a great alternative to surgical procedures.
This procedure involves administering pharmacological agents to the damaged vein, which cause fibrosis and occlusion of the lumen of the newly formed vessel, which is a varicose vein, and then its absorption and exclusion from the venous system. The number of injections used and the concentration of the administered preparation depend on the size of the diseased vessel. This procedure is painless and does not require prior anesthesia, and its duration is usually about half an hour. On average, one procedure is enough to remove small varicose veins, while in the case of larger changes, a series of injections is necessary.

2. Mini-phlebectomy
– also known as “vein crocheting”, is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves making a small incision with a scalpel, pulling the diseased vein above the skin surface and finally tying its ends and cutting it out. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure requires only local anesthesia in the area undergoing the procedure. This procedure is also a fantastic combination in the case of sclerotherapy or laser closure of the main vein trunks.

3. Croscetomy
– the procedure consists of high ligation of the great saphenous vein (right next to the femoral vein) and closing all tributaries of the outlet. This method is used in the case of absolute contraindication to complete removal of varicose veins.

4. Saphenectomy
– this is a surgical procedure used in the case of large varicose veins of the lower limbs with involvement of the great saphenous vein. This procedure consists of so-called stripping, i.e. inserting a special probe into the interior of the vessel and mechanically removing the vein with pathological changes.

5. Phlebectomy – surgical removal of varicose veins
– this method involves surgical removal of varicose veins. These procedures are performed using general anesthesia under the care of an anesthesiologist>

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