This information leaflet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose knotscalled 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 that resemble a vine. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in men and women. More often, however, in women, and the factors that contribute to its 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 cause ulcers, which due to lack of blood supply require long-term treatment. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn poses a risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- One 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 having surgery, take elastic bandages, which, upon recommendation from your doctor, can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- The night before surgerytake a bath or shower.
- When going for 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 take medications regularly, 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, pathologically altered subcutaneous sections (varices) of veins are removed. To do this, 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 administered 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 on the same day or the 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 bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first day after surgery, limit your movements according to how you feel.
- It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in a position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your legs rest in the morning, at lunchtime and at night, lifting them for at least an hour (for example, on pillows). Follow this regimen for several months.
- Depending on the operation and nature of your work, you may be able to start doing it again in 1 to 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 the surgical wounds.
- Painkillers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor has not prescribed pain relievers, you can use products sold in pharmacies without a prescription and intended for use in moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after surgery, the elastic bandage should always be on your feet (it should be worn constantly).
- Afterwards, for 2 months, simply wear elastic bandages or compression socks only during the day.
- Using an elastic bandage or compression stocking speeds recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to apply elastic bandage or compression stockings
- An elastic bandage is applied or a compression stocking is placed in the lying position.
- Always start bandaging at the toes, leaving them uncovered. Apply the bandage to the veins carefully so that the leg feels 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 the leg up to the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When applying the next roll, cover the tip of the previous bandage first.
- The end of the bandage must be secured with clips. The bandage must be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip down the leg. At the same time, the bandage should not press 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.
- 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 medical supply retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- It is 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 the formation of new varicose veins.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleaning plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands well before handling a wound.
- The first wound care and dressing change is usually done the day after the operation 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 adhesives (although it is not prohibited), and an elastic bandage must be applied as instructed.
- 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 the pharmacy).
- It is necessary to avoid rubbing the wound and putting pressure on it.
- You can go to the sauna, take a shower and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removing points
- The wound sutures are removed after 10-12 days in a clinic or by a family doctor.
- The adhesive applied to the wound after removing the stitches can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed harshly and should be gently dried 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;
- wound discharge (e. g. blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.