Treatment methods for chronic varicose veins of the lower extremities

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Cao Thanh Tam - Cardiologist - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Chronic varicose veins of the lower extremities are not life-threatening, but if left untreated for a long time, they will lead to persistent complications that are difficult to treat. Depending on the disease condition, the severity of the disease and the physical characteristics of each patient, the doctor will prescribe an effective treatment method.

The goal of medical therapy in the management of chronic lower extremity varicose veins is to prevent reflux and to help improve the force exerted on venous outflow. Patients need to change their lifestyle and work accordingly such as:
Elevate legs when lying down Limit sitting or standing for a long time Regular exercise, especially muscle exercises Wrap legs with elastic bandages or wear elastic socks Control weight, avoid obesity Have a reasonable diet, increase fruits and vegetables, fiber to avoid constipation Practice deep breathing In medical treatment, depending on each specific case, the doctor may prescribe drugs that support the treatment process such as: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, anticoagulants, drugs to dissolve blood clots, drugs to stabilize blood vessels, drugs to increase venous tone... In some cases, local sclerotherapy is also injected with drugs that cause fibrosis of the blood vessel lumen.

>> See also: Varicose veins: What you need to know - The article was professionally consulted by Master, Doctor La Thi Thuy - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

In cases of severe dilatation or complications, medical treatment is not effective, the patient is forced to undergo surgery. Treatment of chronic varicose veins of the lower extremities by surgery is quite effective, the recurrence rate is low. The patient will undergo surgery to peel veins, repair valves, remove varicose veins, create percutaneous veins... In which, removing dilated superficial veins is the Stripping method using specialized tools. Used to help draw out the veins similar to when making chicken intestines. Chivas surgical method removes varicose veins of the perineal system...

In cases of severe dilatation or complications, medical treatment is not effective, the patient is forced to undergo surgery. Treatment of chronic varicose veins of the lower extremities by surgery is quite effective, the recurrence rate is low. The patient will undergo surgery to peel veins, repair valves, remove varicose veins, create percutaneous veins... In which, removing dilated superficial veins is the Stripping method using specialized tools. Used to help draw out the veins similar to when making chicken intestines. Chivas surgical method removes varicose veins of the perineal system...

High-frequency sclerotherapy is a method of using heat to destroy tissue through the friction of ions in the tissue under the influence of alternating currents with frequencies in the range of 200 - 1200 MHz. This method is often applied to patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities grade 2 or higher (according to the CEAP classification) or patients who have received active medical treatment but have not been effective. Ultrasound patients with reflux in the venous system can also be treated with this method.
The general principle of endovenous laser treatment is to release a sufficient amount of energy into the vein lumen to destroy the vein by irreversible physiological reactions.
Advantages of chronic lower extremity varicose veins treatment with radiofrequency or laser:
Less invasive, Less painful The patient can get up and walk right after the intervention The patient can Discharge from the hospital on the same day Fast recovery time Ensure aesthetics, no scars

Change living and working habits: do not sit in one place or stand for too long. It is necessary to change positions, stretch and bend the legs often so that blood can circulate Drink lots of water, at least 2 liters of water / day Wear supportive elastic socks Control weight To avoid complications that need early treatment. After treatment, it is necessary to visit periodically to promptly handle abnormal problems. Vinmec International Hospital is currently applying the lower extremity venous insufficiency examination package to help customers with symptoms of the disease receive an in-depth examination to determine the disease's condition and have an appropriate treatment regimen.
Master - Doctor Cao Thanh Tam has many years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases; Performing transthoracic echocardiography in the field of internal medicine and interventional Cardiology; Perform other non-invasive functional investigations in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Currently working as a cardiologist at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital since November 2015.