This information sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodescalled varicose veins, most commonly found in the legs and thighs. Their distribution area can be limited or wider, in most cases they form thickenings and cords that resemble a vine. Varicose veins appear regardless of age in both men and women. However, more often in women and factors that contribute to their appearance are pregnancy and age-related changes. Signs of possible varicose veins include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you should sit for 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 ulcer can become inflamed, which in turn poses a risk for gangrene.
Before surgery
- A week before the operation, a blood test, an electrocardiogram (EKG of the heart) and, if necessary, an x-ray of the lungs are performed on an outpatient basis.
- When you go for surgery, take elastic bandages with you, which you can buy at the pharmacy with your doctor's recommendation.
- The evening before the operationtake a shower or bath.
- When you go for surgery, make sure you don't eat for at least 6 hours and don't drink for 4 hours before surgery. Do not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before surgery.
- If you regularly take medications, for example those containing the substance insulin, consult your doctor about what you should do before and on the day of surgery.
operation
During the operation, the subcutaneous sections of the pathologically changed veins (varicose veins) are removed. For this purpose, incisions are made in the skin in the groin area and, in most cases, additional incisions are made in the thigh and leg. The size of the incisions and their number depends on the size of the varicose veins. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia in the lower part of the body. This means that a single injection is given in the lower back, causing the lower body to lose sensation for several hours.
After the operation
The patient is usually discharged the same day or the next day. To get home, you need to arrange your own transport.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia wears off, you can get up and move around, but your leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first day after surgery, limit your movements according to how you feel.
- It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially the calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your feet rest both in the morning and at lunch and in the evening, elevating them for at least an hour (for example, on pillows). 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 actively in approximately 3-4 weeks.
Pain and pain relief
- There may be pain in the area of surgical wounds.
- Pain medication should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor has not given you pain medication, you can use over-the-counter products that are intended for use in moderate pain.
Using an elastic bandage and compression stockings
- For 1-2 days after the operation, the elastic bandage must always be on the leg (you must wear it constantly).
- Later, for 2 months, it is enough to wear an elastic bandage or compression stockings only during the day.
- Using an elastic bandage or compression stocking speeds recovery, prevents swelling, helps prevent new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to apply an elastic bandage or compression stockings
- An elastic bandage is applied or a compression stocking is worn while you are lying down.
- Always start wrapping from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Apply the bandage to the veins carefully, so that the leg experiences light pressure. Also cover the heel with a bandage.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous layer, including the knee.
- Use a roll of bandage to wrap the leg up to the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When applying the next roll, first cover the end of the previous bandage.
- The end of the bandage should be secured with clips. The bandage should be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip 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, the bandage can be replaced with a compression stocking, which, like a bandage, puts pressure on the tissue.
- Hose pressure varies. Compression stockings must fit precisely. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the socks should not be tight. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical aid retailer will measure your foot in three places.
- You are recommended to wear compression stockings even after two months after the operation, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Compression stockings reduce leg fatigue and help prevent the formation of new varicose veins.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleanliness plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before treating a wound.
- First wound care and dressing changes are usually done the day after surgery in the hospital.
- Perform second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the bandages, wash the leg in the shower and pat the wound area dry with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use patches (although it is not prohibited), and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If washing the wound is not possible, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at the pharmacy).
- It is necessary to avoid rubbing the wound and pressing on it.
- You can go to the sauna, take a bath and swim only after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removal of stitches
- Stitches from the wound are removed after 10-12 days in the clinic or by the family doctor.
- The patch applied to the wound after removing the stitches can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed forcefully and should be gently patted dry even after the stitches have been removed.
Possible complications
- 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 calves;
- discharge from the wound (eg blood, pus);
- increase in body temperature.