What are the different types of varicose vein surgeries?

Surgeries performed to close the varicose veins: The different types may include the following: Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the varicose vein to cause scarring. The blood will then flow through the healthier veins instead of the varicose veins. Microsclerotherapy: A smaller needle is used in this procedure to treat the smaller varicose veins in a procedure similar to sclerotherapy. Laser therapy: It involves the use of high-intensity laser light to close off the varicose veins. Endovenous ablation therapy: A thin tube consisting of a device that either uses radio waves or a laser to create heat and subsequently closes the varicose vein is inserted by the surgeon through an incision or cut in this procedure. Endoscopic vein surgery: A surgical device is used at the end of an endoscope (a tube having a camera on one end) to close the affected vein. This endoscope is inserted through an incision made in the skin by the surgeon. Surgeries performed to remove the varicose veins: They may include the following types: Ambulatory phlebectomy: Varicose veins close to the surface of the skin are removed using this method through small cuts or incisions. Vein stripping and ligation: At least two cuts are made in the skin and the veins are then tied off and removed. How long will recovery from different types of varicose vein surgeries take? Surgical procedures done to close the varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy, endoscopic vein surgery, and endovenous ablation therapy, have a recovery time of one to two weeks. The patient can usually go home on the same day or the next day after the surgery. Most patients can resume their desk job the day after the procedure. However, a person having a job that needs more physical work can resume work only after a couple of weeks. It is common to have some swelling and bruising after the surgery. Compression stockings need to be worn for the first one or two weeks to help in relieving these symptoms. Light exercises like walking can be started as soon as possible after the surgery, and the patient can slowly return to normal daily activities within the first two weeks after the surgery. Recovery following laser surgery is quicker. The patient can usually go home only a couple of hours after the procedure. The patient can resume his or her daily routine just two days after a varicose veins laser surgery. The recovery following a laser surgery is quicker, painless, and has fewer complications compared to other surgical methods. Surgical procedures performed to eliminate varicose veins, such as ambulatory phlebectomy and vein stripping with ligation, have a recovery time of two to four weeks. It is normal to have some bruising and swelling for the first two weeks following the surgery. It is advisable to wear compression stockings during this time. Walking can be started as soon as possible and the patient can gradually increase the time and speed for walking. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided during the recovery period. Most patients can resume their work one or two weeks after the surgery. What are the instructions that need to be followed for a quicker recovery after a varicose vein surgery? The following tips are helpful in providing a quicker recovery and fewer complications after a varicose vein surgery: Pain-relieving medications can be taken to relieve the pain and discomfort after the procedure. The patient needs to check for signs of infection or blood clot formation after the procedure, and visit the doctor immediately if such symptoms are seen. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided after the procedure. The patient needs to wear compression socks to keep the varicose veins under control and aid in rapid recovery after the surgery. Physiotherapy sessions and mild exercises are recommended after the surgery to improve blood circulation to the legs. Yoga and walking are recommended following the surgery. Strenuous exercises should be avoided during the recovery period.