Varicose veins are a disorder of the veins whose initial symptoms are enlarged bluish veins, swollen lower legs, darkened skin, and even scabs that are difficult to heal. This condition occurs because the valves in the veins do not work properly and the return flow does not flow effectively. Varicose veins are very susceptible to people with obesity, pregnant women and people who have a habit of standing or sitting for too long.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Leg pain or heaviness in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods
- Varicose veins resemble purplish colored veins or lines.
- Veins appear prominent and swollen along the thighs, ankles or legs.
- Itchy skin especially in the lower legs and ankles
- There is a change in skin color, the skin becomes thinner and soft tissue infection wounds form near the ankles.
- The leg or area where the swollen veins occur feels throbbing or cramping.
Varicose Veins Screening
To detect varicose veins, physical and supporting examinations are needed. A good examination is Doppler USG . Doppler USG is recommended because it is non-invasive, easy and fast which is used to estimate blood flow through blood vessels.
Varicose Veins Treatment
Minimally invasive procedures that can be performed by one day care to overcome various types of varicose vein problems:
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment method for treating varicose veins by using laser energy through optical fibers aimed at the problematic veins so that blood flow is naturally diverted to healthier veins.
- RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) , this technology uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close veins that have varicose veins. The energy is channeled through a small, flexible tube (catheter) to the damaged vein arena.
- Sclerotherapy, a procedure to treat small varicose veins. This action is carried out by injecting a special drug (sclerosant) into the veins affected by varicose veins to make them shrink or deflate.
- Mini Phlebectomy , This procedure involves making a small puncture or incision directly over the varicose vein which does not require stitches.
Superiority
- One day care
- Success rate up to 98%
- Symptoms may subside soon
- Minimal pain after the procedure
- The surgical wound is very small
- Does not form scars
- You can get back to your activities soon
Article written by dr. Londung Brisman Sitorus, Sp.B(K)V (Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Specialist, EMC Tangerang & Alam Sutera Hospital).