This information sheet will provide you with knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodescalled varicose veins, most often found in the legs and thighs. Their distribution area can be limited or wider, in most cases they form thickenings and ropes that resemble vines. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in men and women. However, more often, in women, and factors that contribute to their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Possible signs of 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 poor blood supply require long-term treatment. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn raises the risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- A week before surgery, blood tests, electrocardiogram (heart ECG) and, if necessary, lung X-ray are performed on an outpatient basis.
- When going for surgery, take with you an elastic bandage, which, on the recommendation of your doctor, can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- The evening before surgerybath or shower.
- During 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 medication, for example those containing insulin, ask your doctor for advice on what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, the pathologically changed subcutaneous part (varicose) of the vein is removed. For this purpose, an incision is made in the skin in the groin area and, in most cases, additional incisions are made in the thigh and leg. The size and number of incisions depends on the size of the varicose veins. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in the lower body. This means that one injection is given in the lower back, causing the lower body to lose sensation for several hours.
After the operation
Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day or the next. To return home, you must arrange your own transportation.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia has worn off, you can get up and move around, but your leg must be wrapped in an elastic bandage.
- On the first day after surgery, limit movement as 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 your calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity in the following days. Let your feet rest in the morning and at lunchtime and in the evening, elevate your feet for at least an hour (for example, on a pillow). 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 within 3-4 weeks.
Pain and pain relief
- There may be pain in the area of the surgical wound.
- Pain relievers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor does not prescribe painkillers, you can use products sold in pharmacies without a prescription and intended to be used for moderate pain.
Using elastic bandages and compression stockings
- For 1-2 days after surgery, an elastic bandage must be on your leg at all times (must 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 recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to use an elastic bandage or compression stocking
- Elastic bandages are used or compression stockings are placed while lying down.
- Always start wrapping from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Carefully apply the bandage to the vein, so that the leg experiences light pressure. Cover the heel with a bandage as well.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous layer, including the knees.
- Use a roll of bandage to wrap your leg up to about the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When using the next roll, close the end of the previous bandage first.
- The end of the bandage should be tied with a clamp. 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.
- Stocking pressure varies. Compression stockings must fit properly. The pressure on the feet should be noticeable, but the socks should not pinch. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical aid retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- It is recommended that you 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
Hygiene 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 done the next day after surgery in the hospital.
- Perform second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the wound dressing, wash your feet in the shower, and dry the wound area by gently patting it with a towel. After this, it is no longer necessary to use patches (although not prohibited), and elastic bandages should be used according to the instructions.
- If washing the wound is not possible, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at a pharmacy).
- It is necessary to avoid rubbing the wound and pressing it.
- You can go to the sauna, shower and swim only after all stitches have been removed and the wound has healed.
Remove the stitches
- Stitches from the wound are removed after 10-12 days in the clinic or by the family doctor.
- The patch applied to the wound after the stitches are removed can be removed within a day.
- The wound must always be clean. It should not be rubbed vigorously and should be gently dried 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;
- sudden increase in pain or pain in the calf;
- discharge from a wound (eg, blood, pus);
- increased body temperature.