This fact sheet will provide you with knowledge and advice about what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Expansion buttoncalled varicose veins, most commonly found on the legs and thighs. Their range can be limited or more extensive, in most cases they form thick layers and vine-like vines. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in both men and women. However, more common in women and factors that contribute to their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Signs of varicose veins may include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you need to sit for about 10 - 15 minutes and raise your legs higher.
Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, which due to poor blood supply require long-term treatment. The ulcers can become inflamed, thereby increasing the risk of necrosis.
Before surgery
- One week before surgery, blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, a chest X-ray are performed on an outpatient basis.
- When going to surgery, bring an elastic bandage, as recommended by your doctor, you can buy it at the pharmacy.
- The evening before surgerytake a bath or shower.
- When going for surgery, make sure you eat nothing for at least 6 hours and drink nothing for 4 hours before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum at least 6 hours before surgery.
- If you regularly take medications, such as those containing insulin, consult your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Work
During surgery, pathologically altered subcutaneous veins (varicose veins) will be removed. For this purpose, 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. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in the lower part of the body. This means that a single injection is given into the lower back, causing loss of feeling in the lower part of the body for several hours.
After operation
Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day. To get home, you must arrange your own transportation.
Exercise after surgery
- After surgery, when the anesthetic wears off, you can stand up and move, but your leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first day after surgery, limit your movements according to how you feel.
- Do not 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 following days. Rest your feet morning, lunch and evening, propped up for at least an hour (e. g. 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 doing it again after 1-3 weeks.
- You will be able to move around actively in about 3-4 weeks.
Pain and pain relief
- There may be pain in the surgical wound area.
- Pain relievers should be used as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor doesn't prescribe pain relievers, you can use products sold over-the-counter and intended for moderate pain.
Use elastic bandages and compression socks
- For 1-2 days after surgery, you must always wear an elastic bandage on your leg (should be worn continuously).
- Then, for 2 months, it is enough to wear an elastic bandage or compression stockings during the day.
- Using elastic bandages or compression stockings will speed recovery, prevent swelling, help prevent new varicose veins, and prevent blood clots.
How to use elastic bandages or compression socks
- An elastic bandage is applied or compression stockings are worn while lying down.
- Always start bandaging from the toes, so they are not covered. Carefully apply the bandage to the vein so that the leg is under gentle pressure. Cover the heel with a bandage.
- Apply the tape so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous layer, including the knee.
- Use a roll of bandage to wrap your leg around the knee and use a clip to secure the end of the bandage. When applying the next roll, cover the end of the previous tape first.
- The end of the tape must be fixed with a clamp. The bandage must be applied tightly enough so that it does not slide 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, it can be replaced with a compression stocking, which, like a bandage, puts pressure on the tissue.
- The pressure of the socks changes. Compression socks must fit correctly. Pressure on the legs is noticeable but the socks should not be pinched. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical equipment retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- You should wear compression stockings even two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for long periods of time. Compression socks reduce leg fatigue and help prevent new varicose veins from forming.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleanliness plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before treating a wound.
- Initial wound care and dressing changes are usually performed the next day after surgery in the hospital.
- Perform a second round of wound care at home after a few days. Remove the bandage, wash your feet in the shower, and dry the wound area by patting it gently with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use the patch (although it is not prohibited) and the elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If it is not possible to wash the wound, clean it by rinsing with a wound cleaning solution (preferably sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, available at the pharmacy).
- Avoid rubbing and pressing on the wound.
- You can go to the sauna, shower and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wound has healed.
Remove stitches
- Sutures will be removed after 10-12 days at your clinic or GP.
- The patch applied to the wound after removing the sutures can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. Do not rub vigorously and dry gently even after sutures are removed.
Complications may occur
- 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 calf;
- drainage from the wound (eg, blood, pus);
- increased body temperature.