About Vascular Vein Laser Surgery
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is vascular vein laser surgery?
Vascular vein laser surgery is a procedure in which varicose veins are treated using laser therapy. Laser heat damages the vein resulting in scar tissue formation. The scar tissue is what closes the vein. This causes decreased blood flow to the vein, causing it to shrink and die. The vein disappears over time. Since the vein is closed off, the blood then flows through other nearby veins instead
Types of vascular vein laser surgery?
Vascular vein laser surgery can be simple laser surgery or endovenous laser surgery.
- Simple laser surgery: It is used for small varicose veins or spider veins. It is performed on the skin’s outside. In most cases, more than one laser treatment session is required. It may also follow surgery or endovenous laser surgery.
- Endovenous laser surgery: It is done to treat large veins to avoid surgery. It involves passing a laser fiber through a catheter (a thin tube) into the vein. The doctor then watches the vein on a duplex ultrasound screen. A light sedative or local anesthesia is given. Short bursts of energy are delivered by the laser to heat up the vein and seal it closed. The laser allows for the entire length of the vein to be closed by slowly pulling the laser along the vein.
What is the success rate of vascular vein laser surgery?
Both the laser surgery techniques have a good success rate. However, repeat session may be required. Recurrence may happen within 2 years due to the progression of the disease in other veins. If endovenous laser treatment fails to close a vein, a second treatment will be required.
Why do I need vascular vein laser surgery?
Your doctor may recommend the treatment if your varicose veins are red, inflamed (swollen) or sore. The treatment may also be recommended if there is irritation in the skin covering the varicose veins.
Duration of the procedure/surgery
Laser surgery usually takes 45-90 minutes
Laser surgery doesn’t require stay in the hospital. It can be done in an outpatient center and a person can go home the same day.
Duration of procedure/surgery : Laser surgery usually takes 45-90 minutes
Days admitted : Laser surgery doesn’t require stay in the hospital. A person can go home the same day.
Anesthesia : It is usually done under local anesthesia or mild sedative
Risks : Risks are associated with vascular vein laser surgery which includes
Bruising
Pain over the vein
Infection
Blood clot
Nerve damage
Redness or swelling of the vein
Burns
Tightness in the legs
Temporary nerve injury.
After care : You can resume regular activities after simple laser treatment. Sometimes a second session is required in case the vein doesn’t close fully. Ambulation of 1-2 hours daily is required for 1-2 weeks. Activities such as straining, heavy lifting, running, jumping and hot baths should be avoided. Painkillers may be required to avoid post surgery discomfort.
Compression stockings for 1 week are required after laser treatment. Duplex ultrasound is also done in follow-up to ascertain the closure of the vein.
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