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Varicose veins sometimes
have to be removed. This is done for medical reasons because, otherwise
there would be a risk of a deficient supply of nutrients to the tissues.
Once again there are various methods for eliminating the symptoms.
Sclerosing treatment:
Sclerosing of the veins using a sclerosing agent which is injected and
permanently seals the vein or using a laser which heats the blood in the
vessels just under the skin so that it coagulates is the oldest method.
This method is of little efficacy in severe vein disorders.
The purpose of surgery is always to remove larger varicose veins from the
venous circulation. This is achieved either by removing the defective vein
or by restoring its function in such a way as to retain the vein.
Surgery involving removal of
the veins:
Vein stripping is the most frequently practised method. In stripping, a
probe is inserted at the ankle and conducted through the collecting vein
to the groin. The vein ends are severed, tied off using the probe and
removed (stripped).
One major disadvantage is that surrounding nerve paths can frequently be
affected or damaged.
Surgery which does not involve
removal of the veins:
The only organ or function retaining methods to have been recognised in
Europe following long-term studies are external valvuloplasty and the
CHIVA method.
External valvuloplasty means "reshaping the valves from outside".
The aim of this method is to get the venous valve between the superficial
and deep vein (usually in the groin) to close again. In order to achieve
this, the last section of the superficial vein is slightly ligated using a
plastic sleeve so that it no longer distends. In a large majority of cases
the vein attains its original diameter after a short time.
"CHIVA" is the abbreviation for "conservative haemodynamic
treatment of incompetent and varicose veins in the ambulatory patient".
Careful Duplex ultrasound scanning is followed by a relatively minor,
usually outpatient, operation, which prevents blood flowing back into the
varicose veins. An incision is made over every previously marked location
and a thread passed under the vein beneath it and gently pulled together.
The vein thus continues to remain active and the varicose veins regress. |
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N.B.: Since varicose
veins are a chronic disorder, they can reoccur in a different location
even after a successful operation. |
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