This information sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodescalled dilated 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 cords resembling a vine. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in both men and women. More often, however, in women, and factors contributing to their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Signs of possible varicose veins include swelling of the legs 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. The ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn poses a 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 going for surgery, take with you elastic bandages, which, on the recommendation of your doctor, can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- The evening before surgerytake a shower or bath.
- When going for surgery, make sure that 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, 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, subcutaneous pathologically altered (varicose) sections of the veins 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 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, causing the lower part of the body to lose sensation for several hours.
After operation
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day or the next. To get home, you must arrange your own transport.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia has worn off, you can get up and move, but your leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit movement according to how you feel.
- It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the following days. Let your legs rest both in the morning and at lunchtime and in the evening, raising them up for at least one 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 in 1-3 weeks.
- You will be able to move actively in approximately 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 use for moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after surgery, the elastic bandage must be on your feet at all times (should be worn constantly).
- Later, for 2 months, it is enough to wear an elastic bandage or compression stockings only during the daytime.
- Using an elastic bandage or compression stocking speeds recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to apply an elastic bandage or compression stocking
- An elastic bandage is applied or a compression stocking is put on while lying down.
- Always start bandaging from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Apply the bandage to the veins carefully, so that the leg experiences light pressure. Cover the heel with the bandage as well.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous one, including the knee.
- Use one roll of bandage to wrap your leg up to about 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 clamps. The bandage should be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip 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, puts pressure on the tissue.
- The pressure of the stockings varies. Compression stockings must fit exactly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the stockings should not pinch. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical aid retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- You are recommended to wear compression stockings even after two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Compression stockings reduce leg fatigue and help 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.
- The first wound care and changing of bandages is usually done the next day after the operation in the hospital.
- Carry out the second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the wound bandages, wash your leg in the shower, and dry the wound area by patting lightly with a towel. After this, it is no longer necessary to use the patches (although it is not prohibited), and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If washing the wound is not possible, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleanser (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at the pharmacy).
- It is necessary to avoid rubbing the wound and pressing on it.
- You can go to the sauna, take a bath and swim only after all stitches have been removed and wounds have healed.
Removing stitches
- The sutures from the wound are removed after 10-12 days in a clinic or by a family doctor.
- The patch applied to the wound after the stitches are removed can be removed within one day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed forcefully 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.