ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY (EVLT)
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, raised above the
surface of the skin. Varicose veins do not occur suddenly. It
usually takes years for them to develop. Varicose veins are usually
inherited, although it is important to note that they are common in
people that have had certain types of leg injuries, deep vein clots
or spend a long time standing still or sitting down.
In healthy veins, one-way valves direct the flow of venous blood
from the superficial small veins into larger deep veins. The blood
eventually passes centrally to the heart and lungs. When one or
more of these venous valves fail to function correctly, blood flows
in the reverse direction. This tends to overfill and distend the
superficial veins under the skin causing a swollen, engorged or
rope-like appearance. These are varicose veins.
The symptoms of varicose veins include painful legs, often with
a feeling of tiredness and heaviness. Swelling of the ankle and
lower leg together with a brownish skin discolouration near the
ankle are less common.
POSSIBLE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS
Varicose veins can be painful and unattractive. Legs and feet
may swell, feel tired and throb or ache. The skin
surrounding the veins may also itch and burn. Patients may
experience restlessness particularly at night.
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to skin discolouration,
and ulceration. These ulcers are difficult to treat and can become
easily infected and painful. Many of these symptoms and
complications can be prevented by early treatment of varicose
veins.
TREATMENTS FOR VARICOSE VEINS
Until recently, vein stripping was the standard treatment for
varicose veins. There are now alternative treatments
available. With the stripping operation an incision is made in
the groin so that the damaged vein can be grasped and surgically
removed through an incision by the knee. All patients that have
stripping get a wound in the groin. Many also get pain and bruising
in the thigh, causing a slow return to normal activity.
Some common side effects from vein stripping include temporary
pain or discomfort, bruising, haematoma, nerve
damage, and less frequently infection. Vein stripping is an
invasive procedure and may not be performed on older
individuals for whom surgery poses a risk due to other medical
conditions. It is also not an appropriate choice for people who
have circulatory problems of the legs, skin infections or
blood-clotting defects.
Pregnant women are also inappropriate candidates for stripping. The
risk of veins growing back after 5
years is thought to lie somewhere between 50 and 80 percent.
ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY
Endovenous laser therapy is an alternative treatment option to
traditional vein stripping surgery. Using ultrasound, your doctor
will position the laser fibre into the diseased vein, through a
small hole in the skin. As the fibre is withdrawn, the vein is
re-routed through other healthier veins.
Following the procedure, walking is encouraged and normal daily
activities can be resumed immediately. However
strenuous physical activity such as aerobics should be avoided
for three to four weeks. Any bruising or soreness is temporary and
improved with the pain relief medications prescribed by your
doctor.
THE KEY BENEFITS OF ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY
Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, minimally invasive laser
procedure that leaves no scar, has a short and relatively pain-free
post-operative recovery period, and may be performed under local or
general anaesthesia. The treatment itself will take less than one
hour. You should be able to resume normal activities within 1-2
days.
Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising or swelling
following the procedure.
* Please note the above treatment may not be
offered by every hospital. Please contact your local hospital
to check if the treatment/service is available in
your area.