Varicose veins are a very common problem, with 23% of adults in the United States suffering from varicose veins. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, with studies indicating that about 60-70% of varicose vein sufferers are women due to hormonal changes. Varicose vein embolization can help reduce their appearance and may relieve pain.
What is varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins often found in the leg area just under the skin’s surface. They can be painful or itchy, and spider veins, which are thin, red, or purple lines, may also appear. Although their alarming appearance can cause problems for some people, they are not serious in 80% of cases. In rare cases, severe varicose veins can lead to serious health problems, such as blood clots.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the vein stents don’t work correctly (the stents control the normal flow of blood in a vein), causing blood to build up and pressure on the vein, causing it to swell and twist.
Varicose veins are very common, and anyone can get them, but several risk factors increase the incidence of varicose veins:
- Feminine gender
- Aging
- Obesity and pregnancy
- Spending too much time standing or sitting
- A family story of people with varicose veins
- Having deep vein thrombophlebitis (DVT)
How is Varicose vein embolization performed?
In this technique, X-rays guide the insertion of a needle into the affected vein, and then the thin catheter tube is pushed inward. When the catheter is positioned correctly, a round metal coil or plain material called “Gelfoam” is pushed into the affected vein.
Neither of these two blocking techniques is new. Coils and foam gel have been used to block blood vessels in different body areas for over twenty years, so we know they’re safe and effective.
This technique has been used for many years to treat varicocele in men and ovarian varicose veins in women. Bimaristan Center is distinguished by its collaboration with hospitals with a long history in varicose vein treatment with doctors from different specialties. Embolization is usually done in two different ways:
Endovenous thermal ablation for treating varicose veins
Thermal ablation is a non-surgical treatment for varicose veins that uses radio waves to close the veins through a small incision in the area of the varicose vein.
The procedure begins with the application of local anesthesia and sedative medications. The doctor then uses ultrasound to locate the vein and makes a small incision in the patient’s leg below the knee or near the ankle. The doctor inserts a catheter into the incision and guides it to the vein. The doctor then guides a thin instrument through the catheter to the affected vein, which generates heat that permanently closes the vein.
During the procedure, anesthetic fluid is injected into the vein through a series of small injections. The procedure ends with a bandage over the incision, and there is often no need for sutures.
Thermal ablation leaves the veins in place, has fewer complications than standard surgery, and the recovery period is usually much shorter.
Varicose vein embolization with laser
The procedure begins with wearing a hospital gown and lying down on the examination table, wearing special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light. The doctor will numb the area where the catheter will be inserted and give an anesthetic injection along the vein to be treated.
The doctor makes a small incision in the skin, inserts a catheter, guides it to the affected vein via ultrasound, and then inserts a laser-generating elastic fiber inside the catheter. The doctor turns on the laser, which heats the vein as the catheter is slowly withdrawn, which closes the vein and eventually causes it to shrink.
This procedure usually does not require a hospital stay and can be performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes less than an hour.
Recovery time after varicose vein embolization
The patient can start walking 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure, but there may be some bruising on the leg, which is not serious and should disappear in about two weeks. Upon returning home, an ice pack should be applied to the area for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day to help reduce swelling. The incision sites should be checked every day and it is normal to have light pink fluid on the bandage.
You should avoid exposing the affected area to water for the first 48 hours and refrain from hot baths for two weeks. You should also avoid prolonged standing and heavy lifting for two weeks. Doctors recommend walking 3 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes a day for two weeks.
Treatment of varicose veins in women
Treatment for varicose veins in women is no different than in men, depending on the severity of the condition and your doctor’s recommendations. In the early stages, treatment options can include lifestyle changes such as avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, regular exercise, and elevating the legs to improve circulation. More advanced cases may require medical interventions such as thermotherapy, injection sclerotherapy, or laser embolization, where laser energy is used to close the affected veins or inject substances that close the damaged veins.
In very advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged veins. Prevention also plays an important role by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing compression stockings and doing leg strengthening exercises.
Advantages of varicose vein embolization
Varicose vein embolization treatment closes the varicose vein without actually removing it, which means less recovery time and a lower risk of complications. Varicose vein embolization treatment has many benefits over varicose vein surgery, including
- Little pain during and after the procedure
- Lower incidence of complications
- Small scars
- Positive cosmetic results
- Shorter recovery time
Risks and complications of varicose vein embolization
varicose vein embolization treatment is generally safe when done by experienced hands, but there may be some side effects, such as:
- Some pain and bruising
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Formation of blood clots in the legs (very rare).
The difference between varicose vein embolization and traditional surgical treatments for varicose veins
Varicose vein surgery and embolization are two common ways to treat varicose veins. The right choice depends on the patient’s specific condition. Embolization is a non-invasive and minimally invasive procedure that requires a small incision, while during varicose vein surgery, the surgeon removes the affected veins through several incisions and requires several weeks of recovery, meaning that coagulation therapy keeps the veins in place, has fewer complications than surgery and usually has a much shorter recovery period.
Who is qualified to varicose vein embolization?
You’re likely to be a good candidate for varicose vein embolization if you:
- Suffering from severe pain, the pain caused by varicose veins can prevent the patient from being able to perform daily functions such as working or even walking.
- You’ve tried other traditional treatments such as exercise or weight loss and yet your varicose veins are still visible.
- You are healthy enough to qualify for treatment, as long as you are not taking any blood thinners or other specific medications.
- If your skin color changes to dark blue, purple or red, you should consider yourself a candidate for varicose vein treatment because discoloration is an indicator of progression of the disease.
- You have severe varicose veins that may bleed if injured.
Important tips after treating varicose veins with embolization
After varicose vein embolization treatment at the medical center, the patient needs someone to drive him home, in addition to several important tips that the patient must adhere to:
- Avoid strenuous exercise until your doctor allows it
- No airplane travel for two weeks
- Get enough sleep to help the body recover
- Move and walk frequently during the day
The presence of abnormal signs and symptoms after the procedure should be taken to an ambulance, including these symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Bloody cough
- Extremely fast heart rate
- The patient feels as if something is pulling on their leg
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Skin discoloration
- swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Cost of treating varicose veins in Turkey
Turkey is one of the leading destinations for medical tourism, offering high-quality medical services at competitive prices compared to Western countries. When it comes to treating varicose veins, the cost varies depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the condition, and the hospital or clinic chosen.
Laser treatment is one of the most common and effective options for treating varicose veins, costing between 1,500 to 3,000 USD in Turkey, depending on the city and medical facilities. Laser treatment is non-invasive and requires a short recovery time.
Injection sclerotherapy, which costs between $500 and $1,500, is less expensive compared to laser treatment. This treatment involves injecting a serum substance into the damaged veins to close them.
In more complex cases, surgical removal of the veins may be required, which is a more invasive option. Costs for these procedures range from $2,000 to $5,000, although some hospitals may offer packages that include all costs (such as tests and follow-ups).
In conclusion, varicose vein treatment in Turkey is an excellent option for many patients looking for effective and affordable solutions to this common health issue. Thanks to the advancement of medical technology in Turkey, treatment options such as laser or radiofrequency embolization are becoming more advanced and safer, ensuring good results with a short recovery period.
Turkey offers an advanced medical environment, hospitals and medical centers equipped with the latest technology, as well as competitive prices compared to European and American countries, making it a favorite destination for medical tourism. The level of medical care and patient care in Turkey is considered one of the highest international standards. Ultimately, varicose vein treatment in Turkey offers a safe and effective alternative for many patients looking to improve their health and quality of life.
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