Main Facts On Varicose Vein Removal NYC Residents Should Know

By Estela Bolton


Varicose veins result when the valves of the veins are damaged. This condition may lead to some serious complications when not appropriately managed. Perhaps the most feared is formation of clots within the vessels. This is especially dangerous when the clots embolise to other parts of the body. If they end up in vital organs like the lungs death may follow. Another complication commonly encountered is what is referred to as phlebitis which refers to inflammation of the affected vessels. The other is ulceration in affected areas. There are a number of things on varicose vein removal nyc residents need to 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 the method of treatment to use is determined by a number of factors. Disease severity is one of the most important determinants. The more advanced a condition is, the more likely it is that it will be treated invasively. The age and health status of the affected individual has to be assessed so that the surgeon determines whether the individual can tolerate surgery or medications chosen. Other important considerations are personal preference and cost.

Treatment should typically be started with conservative options. Compression stockings are the first to be considered. These function through compression of affected region and reducing their visibility through the skin. There are three forms of stockings that can be used. The stocking with the least pressure is known as the pantyhose. The over-the-counter is moderate and the prescription strength has the greatest.

A treatment known as sclerotherapy is the injection of a special chemical into the affected vessels. It is suitable for persons in whom the vessels are small to medium-sized. The mechanism involved is formation of scars that help seal the vessels. Large vessels may be treated in the same manner using modified sclerotherapy in which a liquid is used. The treatment is contraindicated in persons with deep venous thrombosis.

Surgery is reserved for the very severe cases. There are a number of options available. One of them is known as surgical ligation and stripping. In this treatment, the affected vessel is tied and occluded before being removed from the limb through cuts made on the skin. The veins that are targeted are those that lie superficially. The deeper vessels that are left intact maintain the circulation afterwards.

The ligation procedure has to be done in a theatre under general anaesthesia. There are several complications that may be experienced during the immediate and remote post-operative period. The commonest side effect in the immediate post-operative period is pain in the affected limb. Other complications that should be looked out for include scar formation, swelling, wound infection and excessive bleeding.

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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