Vein treatment and surgery
Vascular surgery is a branch of surgery that deals with disorders of blood vessels - arteries and veins. In the Special Hospital St. Catherine, we are focused exclusively on peripheral venous insufficiency.
Namely, blood passes through the veins from the periphery to the heart through two vein systems - the deep one located inside the muscle and the superficial system located under the skin. Within the veins themselves, some valves function as one-way valves that allow blood to flow in only one direction (toward the heart). The flap opens to allow blood to flow to the heart and then closes preventing blood from returning to the legs. If the valves are damaged or do not work well the so-called venous insufficiency.
The largest superficial vein (greater saphenous vein) flows into the deep vein in the groin area. There is also a valve at this site which, if it does not function well, leads to the accumulation of blood in the saphenous vein and its tributaries located under the skin. As a result, they become widened and twisted.
The goal of treating venous insufficiency is to relieve symptoms and prevent possible complications.
What factors can lead to varicose veins?
Factors that can lead to the appearance of varicose veins are obesity, old age, female gender, inactivity, leg injury, pregnancy, smoking, taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy, and family preference.
Varicose veins, in addition to being visible, also lead to several problems:
- dull pain, burning, or heaviness in the legs (these symptoms may be more visible only in the evening or after sitting or standing for a long time)
- swelling of the legs (especially in the feet and ankles)
- itching in the area of varicose veins
- skin discoloration (hypostatic dermatitis), skin discoloration (dry, tight)
- superficial thrombophlebitis - when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin
- open wounds
- bleeding after a minor injury
