Varicose Vein Treatment and Removal
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Monday, Feb. 16th 2009Varicose Vein Treatment and Removal
Varicose Veins that are oversized and twisted typically represent the diagnosis of varicosities or, more commonly, varicose veins. Although complications resulting from varicose veins are fairly rare, the veins are somewhat unsightly and can cause some localized discomfort. There are several avenues of treatment that will lessen the symptoms, ranging from self medication to surgery. Below are outlines of the various treatment methods, including the positive and negative aspects.
Do It Yourself Varicose Vein Treatment
It is recommended to elevate your legs at regular intervals for temporary relief of symptoms. The affected leg(s) must be elevated above the level of your heart for optimal effect. In addition to elevation, the use of compression sleeves or stockings combined with regular consumption of anti-inflammatory medicine can provide relief of some symptoms including swelling and circulation in the affected areas. Possible side effects include intestinal bleeding, but it is fairly uncommon.
In addition, a varicose vein sufferer could take the dietary supplement called Diosmin 95. Diosmin is offered only by prescription in Europe, while in the U.S. it is considered a nutritional supplement. Clinical trial results show Diosmin is generally safe, which the long term use in Europe has confirmed. This is a somewhat controversial treatment that does not directly treat the cause varicose veins, but rather treats the resulting problems that are created by varicosities.
Intensive Non-Surgical Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for varicose veins that shrinks the affected veins with an injection of medicine in the localized area. This treatment claims a 76% success rate in clinical studies and is considered my most to be much better as a short and medium term solution than surgical options. Possible side effects include ulcerations and blood clots, although both rarely occur.
Endovenous radio frequency ablation is a medical procedure that utilizes a catheter to pinpoint affected veins and pass electricity over the problem areas. It generally has an 85-90% success rate for varicose vein treatment. Side effects include mild to moderate bruising, swelling, and numbness which only occur in 10-30% of patients.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) has a higher rate of success at 95-100% and uses laser treatment rather than electricity. It is considered to be more comfortable for patients and generally has fewer side effects.
Surgical Treatment
The two common surgical treatments are saphenous stripping and CHIVA. Saphenous stripping involves removal of the affected vein’s trunk and can leave several lengthy scars on the patient’s leg(s). CHIVA is a similar procedure but consists of smaller vein removal to allow the main vein to remain intact. It is a more complicated procedure but is easier on the patient and leaves less visible scars.
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