Basic Information On Varicose Vein Removal NYC Patients May Wish To Know

By Estela Bolton


Varicose veins are venous channels that have dilated due to one reason or the other. There are many complications that come about when the condition is long standing and not treated appropriately. Thrombus formation and subsequent embolism is one of the most feared as it is life-threatening. The other complication is phlebitis, inflammation of the varicosed vessels that is often painful. In most chronic cases, ulcers also form due to stasis of venous blood. There are a number of things on varicose vein removal nyc residents should know.

Abnormal veins are a very common condition. In the United States alone, between 50% and 55% of women are affected and 40%-45% of men are affected. Varicose veins are said to be present in at least half of people aged more than 50 years. Predisposing factors include increasing age, pregnancy, hormonal changes, obesity and physical inactivity.

The choice of treatment is determined by a number of factors. The age and general health of the affected will be used determine whether conservative or surgical methods will be chosen. The severity is another important consideration as very severe cases almost always require surgical intervention. Patient tolerance to medications and procedures used as well as their preferences will also need to be factored into the decision making process.

The condition is first treated with conservative options before considering the invasive techniques. Compression stockings are one of the first options that are tried in the initial stages of management. The stockings work by compressing the vessels of interest. The stockings come in three types of increasing pressure strength. These are the pantyhose, the over-the-counter stocking and the prescription-strength.

Sclerotherapy is recommended for persons that have small-sized veins. This treatment involves injection of a special chemical into the vessels. The chemical works by causing scar formation in the vessel and this helps seal them. Foam sclerotherapy may be done for larger vessels. As the name suggests, a special liquid is injected into the vessels to cause scar formation. The treatment is unsuitable in persons that have a history of deep venous thrombosis.

Surgery should only be done as a last resort. Several surgical options are available. The most popular of these is what is referred to as ligation and stripping. What this means is that the affected vessel is tied and blocked and removed in one piece through cuts created on the skin. Since it is the superficial vessels that are removed, there is no compromise in circulation.

Since this is a major surgical operation, it must be done in theatre. Although the procedure is generally regarded as being safe, there are a number of risks that should be anticipated. Leg pain is one of the commonest particularly in the immediate post-operative period. Others that may be seen include wound infection, excessive bleeding, swelling and scar formation. It takes between 1 and 4 weeks for recovery to take place.

The other commonly used surgical options for varicose vein removal nyc residents should know are PIN stripping and ambulatory phlebectomy. In pin stripping, a special instrument termed as a PIN stripper is sewn into the vessel. When this instrument is pulled out, it comes out with the vessel. This treatment is done either in theatre or as an outpatient procedure. Ambulatory phlebectomy, on the other hand, involves creates of multiple cuts along the path of the vessel. The vein is then pulled out using hooks.




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