Specialising in treatment for varicose veins
What are they?
Varicose veins are dilated tortuous veins often visible in the thigh and calf.
How did I get them?
There is no single reason why a person develops varicose veins. Prolonged standing, pregnancy and family tendency all contribute.
The veins contain valves which should prevent back-flow or reflux down the vein. It is failure of these valves that allows the visible varicose veins to form.
On the right the vein has become varicose due to valve failure
How can they be treated?
Modern treatment for varicose veins has developed dramatically over the last decade. Surgical stripping is now only required in the minority of patients. Newer treatments such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA or EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (VNUS ClosureFast) is the preferred option for most patients nowadays. Foam sclerotherapy can also be used either as a first line treatment or to tidy up minor veins after other treatments have been performed.
How are they diagnosed?
A detailed clinical history and examination is required to determine any underlying problem related to the varicose veins.
Ultrasound imaging will confirm the diagnosis and accurately identify the source of the varicose veins. This is extremely useful in planning the optimal treatment.
Ultrasound examination of varicose veins in the leg
Ultrasound image of the junction of the saphenous vein with the deep vein
Colour-flow duplex allows blood flow to be identified. Areas of abnormal flow -reflux can be clearly seen
Interventions
More information on the range of treatments to get rid of varicose veins can be found by following the links below:
Endovenous surgery
Laser EVLT
Radiofrequency ablation VNUS
Sclerotherapy
liquid injections
microsclerotherapy
foam sclerotherapy
Conventional surgery
Whilst many patients now opt for one of the less invasive treatments such as EVLA, some patients still require conventional surgery. This is normally performed as a day-case operation and recovery with return to work is usually possible after 2-3 weeks.
Conservative options
Graduated compression stockings act to overcome the effects of the failed venous valves and support the leg. wearing them daily will reduce the common symptoms of varicose veins, such as leg heaviness, aching and swelling. They are generally well tolerated but do not provide a cure for the condition.
What if they are left untreated?
It is likely that the veins will progress over time. Whilst asymptomatic varicose veins can be left, a proportion of patients with skin changes will go on to develop ulceration.