This fact sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodesthe so-calledenlarged areas of veins, 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 vine-like cords. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in both men and women. More common, however, in women, and factors that contribute 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 require long-term treatment due to poor blood supply. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn poses a risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- One week before the operation, a blood analysis, electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, an x-ray of the lungs are performed on an outpatient basis.
- When going to surgery, take elastic bandages with you, which can be purchased at the pharmacy upon the doctor's recommendation.
- The night before the operationshower or bathe.
- When you go for surgery, make sure you don't eat for at least 6 hours and don't drink for 4 hours before the surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- If you regularly take medicines, for example those containing the substance insulin, consult your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, the subcutaneous pathologically changed (varicose) parts 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 one injection is given in the lower back, causing the lower body to lose sensation for several hours.
After surgery
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same or next day. To get home, you must arrange your own transportation.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia wears off, you can get up and move around, but your leg must be wrapped in an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit your movement according to how you feel.
- It is not recommended to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity in the following days. Let your feet rest in the morning, at lunchtime, 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 in 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 that are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are intended for moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and compression stockings
- 1-2 days after the operation, the elastic bandage must be constantly on the legs (it should 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 stockings speeds recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins and prevents blood clots from forming.
How to put on an elastic bandage or compression stockings
- In the lying position, an elastic bandage or compression stocking is applied.
- Always start wrapping from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Carefully apply the bandage to the veins, so that the leg experiences light pressure. Cover the heel with a bandage as well.
- Place the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous one, including the knee.
- Use one roll of bandage to wrap the leg up to about the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When applying the next roll, first cover the end of the previous bandage.
- The end of the bandage should be fixed with clamps. The bandage should be applied tightly enough so that it does not slide along 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 stocking, which, like a bandage, applies pressure to the tissue.
- Sock pressure varies. Compression socks must fit exactly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the socks should not be tight. To determine the correct size, your doctor or healthcare provider will measure your foot in three places.
- It is recommended to wear compression stockings for two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Compression socks reduce leg fatigue and prevent new varicose veins from forming.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleanliness plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling a wound.
- Initial wound care and dressing changes are usually done the day after surgery in the hospital.
- Do the second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the bandages from the wound, wash the leg in the shower and pat the wound area dry with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use plasters (although this is not prohibited), and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If washing the wound is not possible, clean it by washing it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased 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
- The sutures are removed from the wound after 10-12 days in the clinic or at the family doctor.
- The patch that is placed on the wound after the stitches are removed can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed forcefully and should be gently patted dry 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;
- wound discharge (eg blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.