This information sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose veinsso-called dilated vein areas, which are most often found on the legs and thighs. Their distribution area can be limited or more extensive, in most cases they form thickenings and cords resembling a vine. Varicose veins occur in both men and women, regardless of age. However, it is more common in women, and factors that contribute to its appearance include pregnancy and age-related changes. Signs of possible varicose veins include leg swelling and fatigue. In this case, you need to sit for 10-15 minutes and raise your legs higher.
Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, which require long-term treatment due to poor blood supply. The ulcers can become infected, which in turn poses a risk of gangrene.
Before the operation
- A week before the operation, an outpatient blood test, an electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, an X-ray of the lungs are carried out.
- If you have an operation, take elastic bandages with you, which you can buy at the pharmacy on the recommendation of your doctor.
- The evening before the operationTake a shower or bath.
- Before surgery, make sure you do not eat anything for at least 6 hours before surgery and do not drink anything for 4 hours. You must not smoke or chew gum for at least 6 hours before the operation.
- If you regularly take medications, such as those that contain the active ingredient insulin, discuss with your doctor what you should do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, pathologically altered (varicose) sections of the veins are removed subcutaneously. For this purpose, incisions are made in the groin and, in most cases, additional incisions in the thighs and legs. The size of the incisions and their number depend on the size of the varicose veins. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia on the lower part of the body. This means that a single injection is given into the lower back, causing the lower part of the body to lose feeling for several hours.
After the operation
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same or next day. To get home you will need to arrange your own transport.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia has worn off, you can get up and move around, but your leg will need to be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit movement according to your condition.
- It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in a position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
- Increase your activity gradually over the following days. Allow your legs to rest and elevate them (e. g. on pillows) in the morning, lunch and evening. Follow this regimen for several months.
- Depending on the operation and the nature of your work, you can do it again in 1-3 weeks.
- In about 3-4 weeks you will be able to move actively.
Pain and pain relief
- Pain may occur in the area of surgical wounds.
- Pain medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- If your doctor has not prescribed painkillers, you can resort to products that are available in pharmacies without a prescription and are intended for use for moderate pain.
Use of an elastic bandage and compression stocking
- For 1-2 days after the operation, the elastic bandage must be constantly on your feet (should be worn constantly).
- Later, for 2 months, it is enough to only wear an elastic bandage or compression stockings during the day.
- Using an elastic bandage or compression stocking speeds recovery, prevents swelling, prevents new varicose veins, and prevents blood clots.
How to put on an elastic bandage or compression stocking
- An elastic bandage or a compression stocking is applied while lying down.
- Always start with the bandage on the toes and leave them uncovered. Gently apply the bandage to the veins so that slight pressure is applied to the leg. Also cover the heel with the bandage.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous one, including the knee.
- Wrap your leg with a roll of bandage up to about 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 staples. The bandage should be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip down the leg. At the same time, the bandage must not put pressure on the leg or cause numbness.
- If the bandage is uncomfortable and slips, the bandage can be replaced with a compression stocking, which applies pressure to the tissue like a bandage.
- The pressure of the stockings varies. Compression stockings must fit exactly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the stockings should not be oppressive. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical supply store will measure your foot in three places.
- It is recommended that you continue to wear compression stockings for 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 developing.
Wound care and hygiene
Cleanliness plays an important role in wound care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before treating a wound.
- The first wound care and dressing change usually takes place in the hospital the next day after the operation.
- Carry out the second wound care after a few days at home. Remove the wound dressing, wash your leg in the shower, and dry the wound area by gently patting it with a towel. After that, the use of the patches is no longer necessary (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 cleanser (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, available at the pharmacy).
- It is important to avoid rubbing or pressing on the wound.
- You are only allowed to go to the sauna, bathe or swim once all stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Remove stitches
- The stitches from the wound are removed after 10-12 days in a clinic or at the family doctor.
- The plaster stuck to the wound after suture removal can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed too hard and should be dried gently even after removing the seams.
Possible complications
- If symptoms of inflammation occur 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 your calves;
- Discharge from the wound (e. g. blood, pus);
- Increase in body temperature.