Today, effective methods are available for the treatment of venous disorders such as spider veins and varicose veins among others. Firstly, the patient should be examined by a Physician who is skilled in the treatment of varicose veins. The patient will require investigation with Doppler. This listens to the abnormal reflux (leaking) of the varicose veins and gives information regarding the abnormal venous segment. Usually, Duplex scanning is also required. This gives an actual visual map of the abnormal varicose veins and it can determine the size of the abnormal varicose vein and also the amount of refluxing. A comprehensive treatment can then be drawn up by the Specialist.
Additional Treatment Methods
Compression Stockings
Conservative management usually will require graded compression stockings with an adequate compression which will squeeze your veins and stop excess blood from flowing backwards. The use of compression stockings plus exercise, weight loss, and leg elevation can relieve a significant degree of the patient's symptoms of aching and cramping. The compression stockings have to be worn daily and for the rest of the patient's life.
Sclerotherapy
This treatment can be used for smaller and larger varicose veins. A physician will inject a chemical directly into the vein which irritates the vein and causes it to close. The vein will eventually be absorbed by your body. For deeper varicose veins which are not visible but can be seen with Duplex scanning, present a more difficult problem. A newer technique called Echo-Sclerotherapy is now available for there veins. It is an ultrasound guided destruction of the abnormal venous segment. The needle is directed into the abnormal venous segment and the position of the needle is confirmed with Duplex scanning. This technique now allows destruction of deeper varicose veins that were previously inaccessible.
Surgical Stripping
Traditionally, Physicians who wanted to address the underlying causes of leg swelling, pain, and varicose veins often elected to remove the saphenous vein by stripping. Surgical stripping requires a general anesthetic and the procedure is done in the operating room at the hospital. This surgery requires an incision in the groin, tying off the saphenous vein and surrounding tributaries, and then removing it with a long surgical instrument through a second incision which is made on the inside of the leg at the knee. The resulting post-operative convalescence often lasted 2-6 weeks and entails a significant amount of bruising, hematoma, and post-operative discomfort. Surgical ligation and stripping is associated with a recurrence rate of 25%.
