Varicose vein surgery & venous insufficiency I Dr Theivendran

Common conditions causing discomfort and cosmetic concerns

Up to 50% of the population can present on the spectrum of venous hypertension. This can result in functional, medical and cosmetic concern.

What is the difference?

Varicose vein disease is a common condition that affects up to 20% of Australians.
Varicose vein disease can cause discomfort and affect your appearance. Varicose veins usually affect the superficial veins that lie closest to the skin.

They can predispose you to thrombosis, bleeding or skin inflammation.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a less common condition, which affects both superficial and deeper leg veins. Blood tends to pool in the lower legs, ankles and feet. Chronic venous insufficiency can occur with or without varicose veins. It affects around 0.3% of Australians.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins that typically appear in the legs and feet.

Healthy veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards towards your feet, but when these valves fail, blood can pool in the veins, resulting in varicose veins.

Who is at risk of varicose veins and venous insufficiency?

Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins and venous insufficiency:

Varicose veins and venous insufficiency - who is at risk?

Age

As we age, our veins tend to lose elasticity, making it harder for blood to flow upwards and making them more prone to becoming varicose.

Obesity

Excess body weight can put added pressure on the veins in your legs and make them more likely to become varicose.

Heredity

If your family has a history of varicose veins or venous insufficiency, you may be more likely to develop these problems.

Gender

Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, mainly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, which can weaken vein walls.

Prolonged standing or sitting

Jobs or activities that require long periods of standing or sitting can reduce blood flow in the legs, increasing the risk of varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

What are the symptoms?

Varicose veins and venous insufficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Visible, enlarged veins

The veins look blue or dark purple in colour. You may have skin discoloration and inflammation around the varicose veins.

Aching or pain in the affected area

Discomfort is especially noticeable after you’ve spent long periods of standing or sitting.

Swelling

Swelling associated with varicose vein disease is particularly noticeable in the ankles and lower legs.

Throbbing, cramping and/or itching

You may experience throbbing or cramping in the legs. Some people complain of itchy or irritated skin over the affected veins.

Restless or heavy legs

Your legs may feel restless. A feeling of heaviness in the affected area is also common.

Skin changes

The skin on your legs may become discoloured, dry, and prone to irritation or even open sores.

Indicators for treatment

Symptoms of venous hypertension (oedema, pain, restless legs, and pruritus) not manageable with compression
Superficial thrombophlebitis (STP), bleeding, and skin changes
Ulcers
Cosmetic concern

Diagnosing varicose veins and venous insufficiency

Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves a physical examination and medical history assessment. Your doctor may:

Ask about your symptoms and whether there’s a family history of varicose veins
Examine your legs while you're standing and sitting to assess the appearance of the veins
Use duplex ultrasound imaging to get a clearer picture of your veins and assess blood flow.

What are the complications of varicose vein disease?

While varicose veins are usually not a severe medical concern, they can lead to complications, including:

Superficial thrombophlebitis

This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein near the surface of the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This can progress to a deep vein thrombosis.

Venous ulcers

If there’s not enough blood getting to your lower legs and ankles, you can develop open sores or ulcers, near your ankle.

Bleeding

If a varicose vein close to the skin's surface bursts, it can cause bleeding.

Deep vein thrombosis

A deep vein thrombosis can develop, which is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deeper vein, potentially leading to more severe complications.

How are varicose veins and venous insufficiency treated?

The treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. There are several approaches, ranging from lifestyle changes and/or compression stockings to medical procedures.

Dr Theivendran can recommend treatment options with you.

Lifestyle modifications

Before considering medical interventions, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to relieve symptoms and prevent them from worsening:

Exercising: Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation in the legs. Activities such as walking, swimming and cycling are particularly beneficial.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the veins in your legs.
Elevating your legs: Raising your legs above heart level when resting can help relieve symptoms and improve blood flow.
Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing: If your job or daily activities require long periods of sitting or standing, take breaks and move around regularly.
Wearing compression stockings: You can buy graduated compression stockings that will apply pressure from your ankles up to your thighs, helping blood to flow more efficiently. Dr Theivendran will prescribe compression stockings suited to your circulation.

Medications

Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can help with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency:

Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with these conditions.

Topical creams and ointments: Some over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory creams can reduce itching and inflammation.

Blood thinners: If you are at risk of developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medications to help prevent clot formation.

Surgical procedures for varicose veins and venous insufficiency

Often lifestyle changes and/or medications don’t provide sufficient relief from the discomfort of these conditions. The appearance of your veins may also be bothering you. You could also be at risk of complications. In these situations, your doctor may refer you to Dr Theivendran.

There are several surgical solutions for varicose vein disease and venous insufficiency:

Sclerotherapy

This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body.

Endovenous laser treatment

A laser can be used to cauterise the affected vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.

Endovascular radiofrequency ablation

In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is used to cauterise the problematic vein.

Endovascular glue

In a procedure similar to radiofrequency ablation, the vein can be closed off using endovascular glue.

Surgical ligation and stripping

If you have severe varicose vein disease or venous insufficiency, the affected vein may be surgically tied off (ligated) and removed (stripped).

Ambulatory phlebectomy

In this procedure, a small hook is used to remove smaller veins through tiny incisions.

High ligation and vein bypass

When a deep vein such as the saphenous vein is involved, the vein may be tied off to prevent further complications. The surgeon may also recommend a bypass to redirect blood flow around the affected vein.

Read more about varicose vein and venous insufficiency procedures

When to consider surgical treatment for varicose veins

Surgical treatment of varicose veins is recommended if you have experienced a thrombosis, venous ulcer, or symptoms such as pain, swelling or restless legs.

You may also prefer to have them treated because you are concerned about their appearance.

Risks of venous surgery

1-3%

DVT (Deep vein thrombosis)

To mitigate this, you will wear compression stockings post-op.

<3%

Neuroprexia/ numbness at avulsion sites