Until recently, the surgical and highly invasive procedures of vein stripping and vein ligation were the only feasible treatment methods to ger relief from the bulging, swollen, and painful varicose veins found in the thighs and calves of one or both legs.
In the past few years, with massive developments in medical science and technology, a new treatment procedure called the endovenous laser treatment method has quickly replaced the vein stripping process for the cure and treatment of varicose veins.
In this blog today, let us understand the difference between these two procedures and find out which is more beneficial for you. Stay with us till the very end as we help you choose the ideal treatment process and enable you to get rid of the varicose veins pain and discomfort.
What is Vein Stripping?
Vein stripping is a painful and invasive procedure that requires large cuts to be made for the treatment of varicose veins. In this process, the damaged vein is removed through an incision made behind the knee or in the groin area.
This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure with general anaesthesia and takes anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes. The recovery time ranges from two to four weeks based on how many veins were removed from where.
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
This is a minimally invasive treatment process performed with high-resolution live imaging through a duplex ultrasound scan. As opposed to the vein stripping procedure, patients only require local anaesthesia in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation). It is a quicker process and has relatively faster recovery times.
A laser fibre is inserted through the small incision made on the skin surface. The thin beam of radiation in the form of laser light is used to heat up and burn off the walls of the damaged veins. The veins collapse and this causes scar tissues within the blood vessels. As a result, the veins seal themselves after which the body redirects the blood to other healthier veins.
It is a safe procedure and there is only a negligible chance of any side-effects or post-treatment complications such as redness or swelling. Discomfort from the laser treatment, if any, is also known to subside in 5 to 7 days with mild medications. The patient can resume everyday activities in 24 hours but must avoid strenuous exercises.
What are the Advantages of Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is highly recommended for patients whose varicose veins have turned red, sore or are inflamed (swollen). It is also recommended when the skin over the varicose veins is irritated. There are no large cuts, bruises, stitches, or scar marks.
Patients experience faster recovery as the endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure and there are rare chances of infection or bleeding after the treatment. Also, as the EVLA treatment is performed with local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure, it saves the patient from expensive hospital stays.
All damaged veins can be treated in a single session and the patient can go back home on the same day. There are minimal chances of recurrence that too in patients who do not take the precautions recommended by the doctor complemented by a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food and moderate exercise.
Conclusion
Laser treatment is the safest and by far the best available treatment option for varicose veins. It is not only painless and minimally invasive but also quick and delivers guaranteed results even in extreme cases or for patients with a medical history of other health conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
Dr. Rajah V Koppala is renowned for having cured varicose veins for over 12000 patients from all across India and even different parts of the World. He is a trained and qualified interventional radiologist with 24+ years of experience. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is currently practicing at the Avis Vascular Centre, Hyderabad and aims to offer the most advanced yet cost-effective treatment to one and all.
Avis Vascular Centre has the latest medical equipment. All doctors perform only the USFDA approved procedures and work in strict accordance with the protocols from the American College of Phlebology.
Apart from a friendly support staff and highly qualified doctors on the panel, Avis Vascular Centre has partnered with all leading national insurance providers to offer instant Mediclaim assistance to all local, non-local, and international patients.
Are you suffering from varicose vein discomfort? Are you looking for immediate relief from the symptoms? Get smooth and pain-free legs, book your consultation with the highly acclaimed interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre today!