This information sheet provides information and advice on what to do before and after varicose vein surgery.
Varicose nodesThey are called enlarged areas of veins, which are most often found on the legs and thighs. Their area of distribution can be limited or more extensive, in most cases they form thickenings and cords reminiscent of grapes. Varicose veins occur regardless of age in both men and women. However, it occurs more often in women, and their appearance is influenced by pregnancy and age-related changes. Possible symptoms of 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 that require long-term treatment due to poor blood supply. Ulcers can become inflamed, which in turn means the risk of gangrene.
Before surgery
- One week before the operation, a blood test, an electrocardiogram (heart EKG) and, if necessary, a lung X-ray are taken on an outpatient basis.
- If you go to surgery, take an elastic bandage with you, which you can buy at the pharmacy on the recommendation of your doctor.
- The night before surgerytake a shower or bath.
- If you are going to 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 that contain insulin, talk to your doctor about what to do before and on the day of surgery.
Operation
During the operation, pathologically changed (varicose) sections 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 and number of incisions 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 part of the body to lose sensation for several hours.
After surgery
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital the same day or the next day. You must arrange your own transportation to get home.
Movement after surgery
- After the operation, when the anesthesia wears off, you can stand up and move around, but your leg must be bandaged with an elastic bandage.
- On the first postoperative day, limit movement according to your feelings.
- It is not advisable to go up and down stairs.
- Try not to stand or sit in one position without moving your legs (especially your calf muscles).
- Gradually increase your activity over the next few days. Let your feet rest in the morning and at lunchtime and in the evening, elevating them (e. g. on a pillow) for at least an hour. Follow this procedure for several months.
- Depending on the operation and the nature of the work, you can start doing it again after 1-3 weeks.
- After about 3-4 weeks, you will be able to move actively.
Pain and pain relief
- Pain may occur in the area of surgical wounds.
- The pain reliever should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
- If your doctor has not prescribed pain relievers, you can use over-the-counter products for moderate pain in pharmacies.
Use of elastic bandages and compression stockings
- For 1-2 days after the operation, the elastic bandage must always be on your leg (it must be worn continuously).
- 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 stockings will speed up recovery, prevent swelling, help prevent new varicose veins from forming, and prevent blood clots from forming.
Applying an elastic bandage or compression stockings
- While lying down, we put on an elastic bandage or compression stockings.
- Always start tying from the toes, leaving them uncovered. Carefully place the bandage over the veins to apply slight pressure to the leg. Cover the corner with the binding as well.
- Apply the bandage so that each new layer covers 2/3 of the previous one, including your knees.
- Using a roll of bandage, wrap your leg 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 must be fixed with clamps. The bandage should be applied tightly enough so that it does not slip on the leg. At the same time, the bandage should not put pressure on the leg or cause numbness.
- If the bandage is uncomfortable and slips, the bandage can be replaced with compression stockings, which apply pressure to the fabric in the same way as the bandage.
- The pressure of the stocking varies. Compression stockings must fit exactly. The pressure on the leg should be noticeable, but the stockings should not pinch. To determine the correct size, your doctor or medical device dealer will measure your foot in three places.
- Compression stockings are still recommended for two months after surgery, especially if you have to sit or stand for long periods of 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.
- The first wound treatment and dressing change usually take place in the hospital the day after the operation.
- After a few days, perform the second wound treatment at home. Remove the bandage, wash your feet in the shower and pat the wound dry with a towel. After that, it is no longer necessary to use the plasters (although not prohibited) and an elastic bandage should be applied according to the instructions.
- If it is not possible to wash the wound, clean it with a wound cleaner (preferably a sterile 0. 9% NaCl solution at room temperature, which can be purchased at the pharmacy).
- Rubbing and pressure on the wound should be avoided.
- Saunas, baths and swimming are allowed only after all stitches have been removed and the wounds have healed.
Removal of sutures
- The sutures are removed from the wound after 10-12 days at the clinic or at the family doctor.
- After the stitches are removed, the patch applied to the wound can be removed within a day.
- The wound must be kept clean. It should not be rubbed vigorously and should be carefully dried even after the stitches are removed.
Possible complications
- If inflammatory symptoms 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 calf;
- discharge from the wound (e. g. blood, pus);
- rise in body temperature.