Varicose vein surgery

26 October 2023

This information sheet will give you knowledge and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.

Varicose nodescalled dilated areas of veins, most commonly found on the legs and thighs. The area of their distribution can be limited or more extensive, in most cases they form thickenings and cords resembling a vine. Varicose veins occur regardless of age, in both men and women. Most often, however, in women, the factors contributing to their occurrence are 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, due to poor blood supply, require long-term treatment. Ulcers can become inflamed, posing a risk of gangrene.

Before surgery

One week before the surgical procedure, a blood test, an electrocardiogram (ECG of the heart) and, if necessary, an X-ray of the lungs are carried out on an outpatient basis.
When you have surgery, take elastic bandages with you, which, on the recommendation of your doctor, can be purchased at a pharmacy.
The day before the operationtake a shower or bath.
When you have 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, such as those containing insulin, consult your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.

Operation

During the operation, pathologically altered subcutaneous sections (varicose veins) of the 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 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 in the lower part of the body. This means that a single injection is given to the lower back, causing loss of sensation in the lower body for several hours.

After the operation

The patient is usually discharged from the hospital the same day or the next day. To get home, you must arrange your own transportation.

Movement after surgery

After the operation, once the anesthesia has worn off, you can get up and move around, but your leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
On the first postoperative day, limit your movements based on how you feel.
It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
Try not to stand or sit in any position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your legs rest in the morning, at midday and in the evening, by raising them for at least an hour (for example on pillows). Follow this diet for several months.
Depending on the operation and the nature of your work, you will be able to start performing it again in 1 to 3 weeks.
You will be able to actively move in about 3 to 4 weeks.

Pain and pain relief

There may be pain in the surgical wounds.
Pain relievers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
If your doctor has not prescribed painkillers for you, you can use products sold in pharmacies without a prescription and intended to treat moderate pain.

Use an elastic bandage and support stockings

For 1-2 days after surgery, the elastic bandage should be kept on your feet at all times (it should be worn at all times).
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 the appearance of new varicose veins, and prevents the formation of blood clots.

How to apply an elastic bandage or support stocking

An elastic bandage is applied or compression stockings are put on while lying down.
Always start dressing from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Carefully apply the bandage to the veins, so that the leg is under light pressure. 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.
Use a roll of bandage to wrap your leg up to the knee and secure the end of the bandage with a clip. When applying the next roll, cover the end of the previous bandage first.
The end of the bandage should be secured with clamps. The bandage should be applied firmly enough so that it does not slide down 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 by a support stocking which, like a bandage, exerts pressure on the tissues.
Stocking pressure varies. Compression stockings must fit perfectly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the stockings should not pinch. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical aid retailer will measure your foot in three places.
It is recommended to wear compression stockings even two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Compression stockings 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 handling a wound.

First aid for wounds and changing of bandages usually takes place the day after the operation in the hospital.
Perform the second wound care at home after a few days. Remove the bandages, wash your leg in the shower, and dry the wound area by lightly patting it with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use the patches (although this is not prohibited) and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
If it is not possible to wash the wound, clean it by rinsing it with a wound cleanser (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at a pharmacy).
You should avoid rubbing the wound and putting pressure on it.
You can only go to the sauna, take a bath and swim after all the stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.

Delete points

The wound sutures are removed after 10 to 12 days in a clinic or by a 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 dried gently even after the stitches are removed.

Possible complications

If symptoms of inflammation appear at the wound, contact your family doctor or the surgeon who operated on you.
redness and swelling of the wound area;
increased pain or sudden pain in the calves;
drainage from the wound (e. g. blood, pus);
increase in body temperature.