Varicose Veins- LASER treatment, Radiofrequency Ablation And Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins is the term used for abnormally dilated and visible blue coloured veins on the thighs and legs. This condition is a manifestation of the disease better known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Varicose veins on the leg

Varicose veins occur due to abnormalities in the valves of the veins, causing reversal of blood flow especially on the thigh and legs.

This disease is common in patients having jobs involving long periods of standing (teachers, field workers, nurses). Most of the times, it develops in females during pregnancy. It may also be hereditary, and more than one members of a family may be affected.

Difference between normal veins and varicose veins

This condition leads to swelling and discomfort of the legs and enlarged, easily visible blue veins that are painful and itchy.

Advanced stages of the disease can eventually lead to uncontrollable bleeding from the veins and non healing ulcers. In very late stages, it may lead to permanent damage and disfigurement of the leg.

Venous Ulcers in the advanced stages of the disease

A Diagnosis of varicose veins can be confirmed with the help of a simple Doppler ultrasound examination of the legs.

Treatment of varicose veins depends on the stage of the disease. In very early stages, wearing compression stockings and lifestyle modifications are sufficient to relieve symptoms. But advanced stages of the disease do need timely treatment to prevent progression to complications.

In earlier days, Surgery (Ligation and Stripping of the vein) was done for varicose veins which involved big incisions, was painful and associated with numerous complications such as bleeding, infection and recurrence. 

But with the introduction of newer technologies, surgery has been completely replaced by minimally invasive techniques which are Endovenous Laser ablation, Radiofrequency ablation and Sclerotherapy.

These procedures are done with needle holes and do not involve big incisions or stitches. Sclerotherapy involves injection of a drug into the small varicosities, which leads to closure and treatment of branch varicosities.

Results of Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation

A Vascular Surgeon specialises in all these latest treatment options, and at our centre we have the maximum volume of patients in North India undergoing Laser and Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins.

Benefits of this treatment are numerous, such as simple day care procedure, no incisions or scars, lesser treatment time, rapid recovery with reduced post operative pain and normal activities can be resumed immediately.