laser in the treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins constitute an important health problem affecting 25% of men and women in the society. Varicose veins are mainly a problem caused by the abduction of the valves in the vein, in other words, venous insufficiency. The most important causes of venous insufficiency are genetic predisposition, lifestyle that requires long standing, overweight and birth.

Due to venous insufficiency and varicose veins, visual problems, pain in the leg, swelling, cramp, burning in the soles of the feet, restless leg, swelling in the ankle, stiffness and darkening in color or ulcer may develop. In addition to these problems, vein occlusion, which constitutes the most important cause of lung embolism, may develop as a complication of varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Elimination of varicose veins on the skin by various methods does not provide a solution unless venous insufficiency is eliminated. These varicose veins recur in a very short time. Therefore, the indispensable treatment of varicose veins is to detect and eliminate the leakage (venous insufficiency) that causes varicose veins with Doppler ultrasound by various methods.

Today, alternative interventional methods are used for surgical treatment in venous insufficiency or in the treatment of leaks that cause varicose veins.

Surgical treatment has been used for nearly 100 years. However, the need for spinal or general anesthesia, surgical complications such as infection, thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, nerve injury, pulmonary embolism, and the need to rest for 10-15 days after the procedure have brought new alternative therapies to the agenda. Laser / Radiofrekenas (RF) treatment comes first among these methods. These methods have been used worldwide since 2006.

With this laser treatment, the destruction of the diseased vein without cutting the skin ensures that the vein flow in the leg improves, the varicose veins disappear and the sensation of pain and restlessness in the leg due to venous insufficiency disappears.

What are the advantages of laser treatment over surgical treatment?

Less invasive and short-term procedures
They do not require general or spinal anesthesia.
Immediate mobilization is provided after the procedure
Less pain develops
Fewer complications
Early return to business life is provided
The results are at least as effective as surgery
Cost is less

What are the desired conditions in patients to be treated with laser?

Deep veins should be open.
The patient must be mobile
No tendency to bleed and clot
There should be no serious peripheral artery disease

What is the main mechanism of action of the laser?

According to the wavelengths applied to the laser beams, they act by creating high heat energy by affecting the water in the hemoglobin or vascular wall.

Which anesthesia techniques are used during laser treatment?

Local anesthesia is most commonly used in laser applications. However, depending on the general condition and preference of the patient, spinal or general anesthesia can also be applied.

It is an ablation procedure performed by entering with a catheter into the vein with ultrasound without any incision.

What is the success rate after laser treatment?

Patients associated with these treatments can return to their normal daily life in a shorter time. Much less complications develop after treatment and the long-term success rate is quite high, such as 95%.

What complications can develop after laser therapy?

Rarely, after laser treatment, complications such as burns, bruising, hardening, and deep vein occlusion develop. However, if it is done with the appropriate technique, very few complications develop.

In my own clinical practice, 1500 endovenous lasers were made and no major complications were encountered in these cases except for light bruises.

What should be considered after laser treatment?

After laser treatment, it can start normal daily activity 3-4 hours later. The legs applied on the first 2 days are wrapped with an elastic bandage. Afterwards, varicose socks are worn for 1 week.

ANTALYA VARICOSE VEINS/Dr.İlhan Gölbaşı