This information sheet will provide you with knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose veinscalled varicose veins, most commonly found in the legs and thighs. Their area of distribution can be limited or wider, in most cases they form thickenings and cords similar to vines. Varicose veins occur in both men and women regardless of age. But more often in women and the factors that cause their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Possible symptoms of varicose veins include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you need to sit for 10-15 minutes and raise your legs.
Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, which require long-term treatment due to poor blood supply. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn creates a risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- A week before the operation, a blood test, electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, x-ray of the lungs are performed in an outpatient setting.
- When going to the operation, take with you elastic bandages, which can be purchased at the pharmacy on the recommendation of your doctor.
- The evening before surgerytake a shower or bath.
- When going to 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 medications, such as those containing insulin, talk to your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, the subcutaneous sections of the vessels that have undergone pathological changes (varicose) are removed. For this purpose, incisions are made in the skin in the groin area and, in most cases, additional incisions are made in the thighs and legs. The size of the incisions and their number depends on the size of the varicose veins. The operation is usually performed in the lower part of the body under general anesthesia. This means that a needle is injected into the back, which causes the lower body to lose sensation for a few hours.
After surgery
The patient is usually discharged the same day or the next day. You must arrange your own transport to get home.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia wears off, you can stand up and move, but your leg must be tied with an elastic bandage.
- Limit movement as you feel on the first day after surgery.
- 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 in the following days. Allow your feet to 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 a few months.
- Depending on the operation and the nature of your case, you will be able to start running again after 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.
- Pain relievers should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
- If your doctor has not prescribed pain relievers, you can use over-the-counter products for moderate pain.
Use of elastic bandage and compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after the operation, an elastic bandage should be on your leg at all times (it should be worn constantly).
- Then, 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 healing, prevents swelling, prevents new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to apply an elastic bandage or compression stocking
- While sleeping, an elastic bandage is applied or a compression stocking is applied.
- Always start by wrapping the toes, leaving them open. Carefully apply the bandage to the veins so that your leg exerts light pressure. Cover the heel with a bandage.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous layer, including the knee.
- Using a roll of bandage, wrap your 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 should not 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.
- The pressure of the socks varies. Compression stockings should fit snugly. The pressure on the foot 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 that you continue to wear compression stockings for two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for long periods of 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.
- Initial wound care and dressing changes are usually done the day after surgery in the hospital.
- After a few days, perform a second wound care at home. Remove the bandages, wash your leg in the shower and pat the wound area dry with a towel. After that, it is not necessary to use patches (although not prohibited) and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If the wound cannot be washed, clean it by rinsing with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, available from a pharmacy).
- Avoid rubbing and pressing on the wound.
- You can go to the sauna, take a bath and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removal of stitches
- The wound stitches are removed after 10-12 days in the clinic or by the family doctor.
- After the sutures are removed, the wound patch can be removed within a day.
- The wound should be kept clean. It should not be rubbed with force and should be gently dried even after the stitches are removed.
Possible complications
- If signs 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 (for example, blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.