Mangaluru performs its 1st Non-Painful treatment for Varicose Veins
June 16, 2022
Dr Lenon D’Souza
You know them when you see them- manifesting as twisted, enlarged veins just under the skin surface of the legs or the area behind the knee. Excess of blood can progressively weaken and damage veins causing swelling, severe pain and discomfort.
Some common symptoms of varicose veins include dull pain accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs; skin discoloration; pricking pain and tenderness in the affected area; restlessness, cramping or throbbing pain; and itching and skin irritation.
Certain factors provide indicators as to why some people get a lot of varicose veins while others don't. These factors include*:
• Family History of Varicose veins
• Injury or trauma can damage the vein
• Standing for long periods
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Older Age
According to statistics, varicose veins and venous diseases are very common and affect 30% of the Indian population*. With time, these conditions can worsen and lead to serious complications like bleeding, clotting, and ulcers and thereby affect the quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent varicose veins from becoming worse.
For a long time, Laser Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Sclerotherapy has been the commonly used treatment procedures. However, this is the very first time that modern adhesive therapy (made up of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, NBCA) and approved by FDA has been carried out in India. The formulation used to treat varicose veins is more viscous as compared to other medical super glues available and has less change of slipping out and escaping into the normal veins from the target site. This is a type of non-thermal, non-tumescent treatment for varicose veins.
A case in point is that of a gentleman who had uncontrollable skin eczema and itching due to varicose veins and associated symptoms of chronic venous disease. He was previously operated for the same and this was a recurrence. For the first time, a unique surgery for this condition was performed in Mangalore using modern glue therapy. This is the first-of-its kind surgery for this gentleman that has been extended to many other patients ever since.
Glue therapy is promising and has many advantages over traditional Laser or RFA treatments. The patient undergoes only a single tiny prick of 2-3mm. They can walk out of OT immediately and go back to work*. There is no need for stockings after procedure and long-term success rate is about 98-99%*.
Earlier diagnosis and intervention can help prevent varicose veins from becoming worse. Preventive tips include
• Maintain a healthy weight and undertake regular physical activity
• If your work involves longer standing or sitting hours, make sure that you take regular walks at short intervals to get the blood flow going in your legs
• Tight clothing should be avoided as it could restrict the flow of blood
• Eating a low salt, fiber rich diet can be helpful
Ref:
*https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicose-veins
*http://apiindia.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/medicine_update_2017/mu_189.pdf
*https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/article_pdf/11/100-months-experiences-with-venaseal-vein-glue-long-time-follow-up-study-conducted-on-2912-truncal-saphenous-veins-in-1509-cases.pdf
*https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/article_pdf/11/100-months-experiences-with-venaseal-vein-glue-long-time-follow-up-study-conducted-on-2912-truncal-saphenous-veins-in-1509-cases.pdf
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.