Friday, June 28, 2013

Main Facts On Varicose Vein Removal NYC Residents Should Know

By Estela Bolton


Varicose veins are venous channels that have dilated due to one reason or the other. There are many complications that come about when the condition is long standing and not treated appropriately. Thrombus formation and subsequent embolism is one of the most feared as it is life-threatening. The other complication is phlebitis, inflammation of the varicosed vessels that is often painful. In most chronic cases, ulcers also form due to stasis of venous blood. There are a number of things on varicose vein removal nyc residents should know.

Abnormalities of veins are a very prevalent condition affecting very many Americans. Between 50% and 55% women are affected and about 45% of men. At least a half of the population aged over 50 years is affected by varicose veins. Risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, hormonal changes, increasing age and physical inactivity.

The choice of treatment is determined by a number of factors. The age and general health of the affected will be used determine whether conservative or surgical methods will be chosen. The severity is another important consideration as very severe cases almost always require surgical intervention. Patient tolerance to medications and procedures used as well as their preferences will also need to be factored into the decision making process.

Compression stockings are one of the conservative treatments that can be considered. Stockings work by exerting pressure on the affected vessels so that they are no longer visible on the skin surface. There are 3 types of stockings in the market. The support pantyhose have the least amount of pressure, the over-the-counter type exerts moderate pressure and the prescription-strength stocking offers the greatest amount.

A treatment known as sclerotherapy is the injection of a special chemical into the affected vessels. It is suitable for persons in whom the vessels are small to medium-sized. The mechanism involved is formation of scars that help seal the vessels. Large vessels may be treated in the same manner using modified sclerotherapy in which a liquid is used. The treatment is contraindicated in persons with deep venous thrombosis.

Surgery should only be done as a last resort. Several surgical options are available. The most popular of these is what is referred to as ligation and stripping. What this means is that the affected vessel is tied and blocked and removed in one piece through cuts created on the skin. Since it is the superficial vessels that are removed, there is no compromise in circulation.

Since this is a major surgical operation, it must be done in theatre. Although the procedure is generally regarded as being safe, there are a number of risks that should be anticipated. Leg pain is one of the commonest particularly in the immediate post-operative period. Others that may be seen include wound infection, excessive bleeding, swelling and scar formation. It takes between 1 and 4 weeks for recovery to take place.

The other surgical options in varicose vein removal NYC residents may wish to know include ambulatory phlebectomy and PIN stripping. PIN stripping uses a special instrument referred to as a PIN stripper. This is instrument is sewn into the vessels of interest and when it is pulled out, it brings the vessel out with it. This can be done in the outpatient or in theatre. In ambulatory phlebectomy, hooks are used to pull out the vessel through small openings in the skin.




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