Varicose veins
Varicose veins are enlarged truncal veins that are often characterised by unattractive discolouration and a tortuous or twisted shape. For practical reasons, they are classified as:
- Larger varicosities in the trunk veins and main branches with connections to the deep vein system.
- Reticular (web-like) varicose veins and spider veins. Both groups require completely different treatment.
Trunk varicose veins
Trunk varicose veins in the vena saphena magna and parva (= great and small saphenous vein), the major branches and the perforant veins should be treated surgically, even if they are expanded after an earlier operation on varicose veins. If expansion is minor or medium, the operation can often be performed using local anaesthetic. If you require a more serious procedure, our anaesthetist Dr. Baldy will provide you with detailed information about the suitable anaesthetic procedure before surgery. Phlebography (contrast phlebography) of the veins before the operation is often unpleasant and is only required as an exception.
It can nearly always be replaced by subtle non-invasive examination methods (light reflection rheography, ultrasound doppler sonography, duplex sonography).
Rapid improvements in surgical instruments and the use of modern surgical lasers allow doctors to gently remove even large varicose veins using micro-surgery and incisions of between 0.3 and 0.4 cm. If consistent after-treatment is provided, these heal within a year and virtually without scarring. An incision between 3 and 4 cm is still fairly often required in the groin. Even this leaves almost invisible scars as the location is subject to very little mechanical strain.
After-treatment: depending on the degree of expansion, the decision is taken during preparation for surgery whether the treatment will be inpatient or outpatient. It is extremely rare for patients to stay in hospital for more than 2 days. On the day of the operation or release, a post-operation examination is performed and the patient receives exact information on future behaviour and after-treatment. The wound dressing and compression bandages are re-fixed on the 3rd day after the operation; after 8 days, the bandages are replaced for the first time and the stitches are removed. During this post-operation phase, you will always be able to reach Dr. Taucher on the phone. Further check-ups will take place every 8 days. After-treatment takes around 3-4 weeks. Patients will be unable to work only in case of major surgical procedures, and even this will last for no longer than 3 weeks. Sporting activities will be fully possible after the 4th week.
After-treatment:
Depending on the degree of expansion, the decision is taken during preparation for surgery whether the treatment will be inpatient or outpatient. It is extremely rare for patients to stay in hospital for more than 2 days. On the day of the operation or release, a post-operation examination is performed and the patient receives exact information on future behaviour and after-treatment. The wound dressing and compression bandages are re-fixed on the 3rd day after the operation; after 8 days, the bandages are replaced for the first time and the stitches are removed. During this post-operation phase, you will always be able to reach Dr. Taucher on the phone. Further check-ups will take place every 8 days. After-treatment takes around 3-4 weeks. Patients will be unable to work only in case of major surgical procedures, and even this will last for no longer than 3 weeks. Sporting activities will be fully possible after the 4th week.
Reticular varicosities and spider veins
These are the classic domain for sclerotherapy by means of medication and laser technology. The main reason for treatment in this case is naturally the cosmetic aspect; however, it should not be forgotten that spider veins are often just the tip of the iceberg and indicate disruptions in other parts of the leg vein system. The Munich Clinic for Leg Disorders has developed a special laser-supported therapy concept in recent years that allows these irritating blood vessels to be removed in most cases.
After-treatment:
In order to ensure a good result and prevent unwanted side effects such as pigmentation and minor skin defects, compression therapy should be applied for 12-14 days after treatment; this involves the replacement of bandages every few days. Patients can continue to work as normal, and are able to do simple sports and gymnastics without difficulty.