This fact sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodescalled enlarged areas of veins, most commonly found in the legs and thighs. The area of their distribution can be limited or more extensive, in most cases they form thickenings and cords resembling a vine. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in both men and women. However, more often in women, and factors contributing to their appearance are pregnancy and age changes. Signs of possible varicose veins include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you need to sit for 10-15 minutes and raise your legs higher.
Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, which, due to poor blood supply, require long-term treatment. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn carries the risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- One week before the operation, a blood test, an electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, an X-ray of the lungs are performed on an outpatient basis.
- When you go to surgery, take with you elastic bandages, which you can buy at the pharmacy on the recommendation of your doctor.
- The night before surgerytake a shower or bath.
- When going in for surgery, make sure you don't eat for at least 6 hours and don't drink for 4 hours before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- If you regularly take medicines, for example containing the substance insulin, consult your doctor about what to do before and on the day of the operation.
Operation
During the operation, subcutaneous pathologically changed (dilated) sections of the veins are removed. For this purpose, incisions are made on the skin in the groin area and in most cases additional incisions are made on the thighs and legs. The size of the incisions and their number depend on the size of the varicose veins. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia in the lower part of the body. This means that a single injection is given in the lower back, resulting in a loss of feeling in the lower body for several hours.
After surgery
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same or next day. You must arrange your own transport to get home.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia wears off, you can get up and move around, but the leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit movement according to how you feel.
- Going up and down stairs is not recommended.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your feet rest both in the morning, at noon and in the evening, elevating them for at least an hour (for example, on pillows). Follow this regimen for several months.
- Depending on the operation and the nature of your work, you will be able to start doing it again after 1-3 weeks.
- You will be able to move actively after approximately 3-4 weeks.
Pain and pain relief
- There may be pain in the area of surgical wounds.
- Pain relievers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If the doctor has not prescribed painkillers, you can use products that are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are intended for use in moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after surgery, the elastic bandage must be on your legs at all times (it must be worn constantly).
- Later, for 2 months, it is enough to wear an elastic bandage or compression stockings only during the day.
- Using an elastic bandage or compression stocking speeds recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots from forming.
How to apply an elastic bandage or compression stocking
- In a lying position, an elastic bandage is placed or a compression sock is put on.
- Always start the bandage from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Place the bandage over the veins carefully so that the leg feels slight pressure. Cover the heel with the bandage as well.
- Place the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous one, including the knee.
- Use a roll of bandage to wrap your leg up to around the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When placing the next roll, cover the end of the previous bandage first.
- The end of the bandage must be secured with clamps. The bandage should be placed tightly enough so that it does not slide down the leg. At the same time, the bandage should not put pressure on the leg and cause numbness.
- If the bandage is uncomfortable and slips, the bandage can be replaced with a compression sock, which, like a bandage, puts pressure on the fabric.
- Sock pressure varies. Compression stockings should fit snugly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the socks should not be tight. To determine the correct size, your doctor or healthcare professional will measure your foot in three places.
- It is recommended to wear compression stockings even after two months after the operation, especially if you have to sit or do for a long time. Compression stockings reduce leg fatigue and prevent the formation of new varicose veins.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleanliness plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling a wound.
- The first treatment of the wound and changing of dressings is usually done the day after the operation in the hospital.
- Perform the second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the dressings from the wound, wash your leg in the shower and pat the wound dry with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use the patches (although it is not prohibited), but you must apply an elastic bandage according to the instructions.
- If washing the wound is not possible, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which you can buy from a pharmacy).
- It is necessary to avoid rubbing the wound and pressing on it.
- You can go to the sauna, bathe and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removal of stitches
- Sutures from the wound are removed after 10-12 days in a clinic or by a family doctor.
- The plaster placed on the wound after removing the stitches can be removed within a day.
- The wound should be kept clean. It should not be rubbed with force and should be dried gently even after the stitches are removed.
Possible complications
- If symptoms of inflammation appear in the wound area, contact your family doctor or the surgeon who operated on you.
- redness and swelling in the wound area;
- increased pain or sudden pain in the calves;
- discharge from the wound (eg blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.