What Is Varix Surgery And How Is It Performed?

What Is Varix Surgery And How Is It Performed?

Varix is a common disease of the veins. Since patients suffering from this condition experience only cosmetic problems, they tend to delay treatment particularly in the initial stages of the disease. However as long as the disturbance of the circulatory system and varices occurring from loss of function of the valves in veins remain untreated, they may cause pain, swelling and alterations in the skin tone and even more serious problems. Varix is a condition that causes many problems affecting the daily life of the patient in many aspects including

• Pain in the legs
• Sensation of prickling and numbness in the legs, at night in particular,
• Edema, swelling and itching in the legs
• Thickened skin tone and discolorations
• Cosmetic problems
• Intense feeling of pain after long time walking and sitting
• Getting tired easily

Varix is a problem that can be seen in approximately 55% of the population. There are multiple factors causing the disease including genetics, old age, hormonal changes in adolescence - menopause, pregnancy, overweightness and obesity, exposure to sun and tanning, being employed in jobs that require long time in standing or sitting position, blockage of the veins or clotting. To be able to overcome these problems, one should not neglect a balanced diet and exercise. Avoiding tight clothes and high heels are also effective in preventing varix formation.

Varix treatment is planned after a thorough examination and investigation. The most effective method is selected from among surgical or non-surgical treatment options after a detailed assessment of the patient’s history and symptoms, and a thorough examination in consideration of the location and severity of the disease.

Many new techniques have been introduced into the treatment of this disease thanks to technological advancements and scientific works in this field. Although it is essentially the doctor and the patient to choose among these techniques, some patients require surgery for treatment of the disease. Surgery is usually preferred in patients diagnosed with saphenous vein insufficiency.

Varix surgery is based on the principle of removing the insufficient vein or repairing the valves on this vein. Throughout the operative process that generally takes about 2 hours, local, epidural or general anesthesia would be chosen depending on the overall health status of the patient.

Varix surgery is a procedure that covers stages from incision either at the inguinal area or the ankle to discovery of the vein, ligation and dissection of vessel ends and finally to removal of the vein by using special methods. Varix removal is continued with minimal incisions if varix is detected in other veins. Bandage is applied postoperatively.

The reason why varix surgery still remains popular after radio frequency or laser treatment is that the chances for recurrence is quite low after surgery without any cosmetic problem at all. Varix treatment must be definitely surgery in patients with oversized saphenous veins.