This fact sheet will provide you with knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodescalled dilated areas of veins, which are most often found on 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. More often, however, in women, the factors that contribute to their appearance are pregnancy and age-related 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 the development of ulcers which, due to poor blood supply, require long-term treatment. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn poses the risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- A week before surgery, 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 undergoing surgery, bring elastic bandages with you which, on the advice of your doctor, can be purchased at a pharmacy.
- The evening before the surgerytake a shower or bath.
- When undergoing surgery, make sure you do not eat for at least 6 hours and do not drink for 4 hours before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- If you regularly take medications, such as those containing the substance insulin, consult your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, subcutaneous sections of pathologically altered (varicose) veins are removed. For this purpose, incisions are made in the skin in the groin area and, in most cases, further incisions in 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 into the lower back, causing the lower body to lose sensation for several hours.
After the operation
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital the same or next day. To return home you need to organize your own transport.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the effect of the anesthesia has worn off, you will be able to get up and move around, but the leg will need to be wrapped with an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit your movement based on how you feel.
- It is not advisable to go up and down the stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in the same position without moving your legs (especially the calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your legs rest both in the morning, at lunch and in the evening, raising 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 performing it again within 1-3 weeks.
- You will be able to move actively in about 3-4 weeks.
Pain and pain relief
- There may be pain in the area of surgical wounds.
- Painkillers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor has not prescribed painkillers, you can use products sold in pharmacies without a prescription and intended for use for moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and a compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after surgery, the elastic bandage should always be on the feet (it must be worn constantly).
- After that, 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 the appearance of new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots from forming.
How to apply an elastic bandage or a compression stocking
- An elastic bandage is applied or a compression stocking is worn in a lying position.
- Always start wrapping from the toes, leaving them exposed. Apply the bandage to the veins carefully, so that the leg experiences light pressure. Also cover the heel with the bandage.
- Apply 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 the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When applying the next roll, cover the end of the previous bandage first.
- The end of the bandage should be secured with zip ties. The bandage must be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip 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, you can replace it with a compression stocking which, like a bandage, puts pressure on the tissue.
- The pressure of the socks varies. Compression stockings must fit snugly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the socks should not pinch. To determine the correct size, your doctor or health care retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- It is advisable to wear compression stockings even two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Compression stockings reduce leg fatigue and help 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 wound care and dressing changes are usually carried out the day after the operation in the hospital.
- Carry out the second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the bandages from the wound, wash the leg in the shower, and dry the wound area by lightly patting it with a towel. Afterwards it is no longer necessary to use plasters (although it is not prohibited) and it is necessary to apply an elastic bandage according to the instructions.
- If it is not possible to wash the wound, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleanser (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at a pharmacy).
- You should avoid rubbing the wound and pressing it.
- You can go to the sauna, bathe and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removing stitches
- The wound stitches are removed after 10-12 days in the clinic or by the family doctor.
- The plaster applied to the wound after removal of the stitches can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed forcefully and should be dried gently even after removing the stitches.
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 (e. g. , blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.