Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Kiriş
Cardiovascular Surgery
The heart sends the substances, which provide the energy that the somatic cells need, and the oxygen required to use them, through the arteries into the tissues. The energy substances and oxygen in this delivered blood are used by the tissues, the waste materials are added into such blood, and they are returned to the heart by the veins to be cleaned.
As a result of the enlargement in these veins and becoming noticeable and twisting, a disease called "varicose veins" occurs.
The veins in the body can be examined in two main groups as superficial and deep veins. The superficial ones are under the skin, and they can be seen visually. Deep veins are located between the muscles, next to the related arteries and nerves, and cannot be seen with the naked eye. There are 10-15 valves in the veins of the leg to constantly direct the blood into the heart and to prevent it from accumulating in the legs as a result of gravity. When these valves cannot be closed completely and blood leaks down, blood accumulates in these veins and the veins expand and varicose veins occur. Although varicose vein is mostly an inherited disease, it is more common in people who work standing (teachers, nurses, doctors, waiters, etc.). It is more common in women than men and varies according to age.
Varicose veins can manifest themselves in the form of capillaries or open wounds. In early-stage patients, there are usually aesthetic varicose vein problems, but as the disease progresses, complaints such as pain, swelling, and sensitivity occur in the legs. In later stages, the skin color of the legs may darken, skin changes may appear, and varicose vein wounds may develop.
Some diagnostic methods are applied for the treatment and diagnosis of varicose veins. In the past, the vein angiography, 'venography,' was frequently used to figure out whether there is valve insufficiency in the deep and invisible blood vessels. In venography, a colored substance is injected into the vein at the ankle level, and films are taken. The use of venography has decreased considerably with today's modern ultrasonography devices. The leg vein ultrasonography, "color Doppler" examination, is a painless and simple method that is most commonly used without any need for needles for the evaluation of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
The varicose vein treatment must be performed according to the patient and the disease level in Izmir. For elderly patients with early-stage diseases and surgical risks, disease progression can be avoided only using various compression stockings. Below-the-knee compression stockings are usually sufficient. If there Doppler ultrasonography shows no valve insufficiency, various treatment methods can be applied in small, 1-3-millimeter varicose veins and capillaries. Special thin needles can be inserted into the vein, which can be closed by giving special substances (sclerotherapy). This method can also be applied with special tools such as electro-coagulation, radiofrequency, and lasers. Several sessions are performed depending on the spread of the disease. After the operation, the patient can walk home and does not need to be hospitalized. It is sufficient to wear an elastic bandage or change socks for one to three days.
In a progressed disease, methods such as standard surgeries, foam sclerotherapy, radio-frequency, and laser ablation can be used. The common purpose of these methods is to save superficial vessels from valve insufficiency or to close the blood vessels to prevent pressure build-up. There is no harm to the body in removing or closing these veins whose valves do not work at all. The same procedure is performed for deep varicose veins. In each of these cases, a night's rest in the hospital is sufficient. The patient can return to his/her daily life within 7-10 days. You can contact us to find out more about the varicose treatment prices in Izmir.