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Varicose vein treatment has new alternative

I heard a new treatment for varicose veins is available.
I'd like to learn more about this.

A. Your veins are a very important part of your body's vascular system. After the arteries deliver blood to your arms and legs, your veins channel blood back to the heart using one-way valves. When these valves don't open and close properly, blood can gather in the veins - becoming varicose (a medical term meaning enlarged). These veins can be unattractive and cause leg pain. Severe varicose veins can undermine the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation and even ulceration of the lower leg. It's estimated that nearly 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men suffer from some form of vein disorder. Pregnancy and birth control pills, radiation therapy and steroid creams can increase incidence of the unsightly veins. Controlling weight, exercising regularly and putting the feet up when possible will help lessen severity of both spider veins and varicose veins.

In the past, medical providers have treated varicose veins in two ways. Conservative measures, such as compression stockings, or corrective measures, such as sclerotherapy or laser treatment have been used to remove the veins. At FHN, we're pleased to offer a third alternative: Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy. "Transilluminated" refers to the passing of light under the skin, and "phlebectomy" is the medical term for vein removal. In this method, the surgeon removes the vein using a small powered surgical device while viewing the vein with a transilluminated light.

Clinical studies suggest that this new method enables the surgeon to remove veins, with a minimal number of small incisions and short operating times, which usually means an easier recovery for the patient with good cosmetic results. This minimally invasive surgery may be performed with either general or light anesthesia.

To perform the procedure, the surgeon first makes the incisions - as few as two per vein cluster. Then, the illumination tool is inserted through one incision to allow the surgeon to highlight the veins. The final step involves inserting the resection device through the other incision to remove the vein.

For those who may not be candidates for Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy, there are other options that I previously mentioned.

u Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose veins and may be performed using local, spinal or general anesthesia.

u In sclerotherapy, a tiny needle is used to inject the vein with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the vein collapses. The surface veins are no longer visible, and most patients experience symptom relief. Several sclerotherapy sessions may be required for any vein region.

u Several types of laser or light source treatments are available today. A light beam is pulsed onto the veins to seal them off and cause them to collapse. Light-based treatment is generally used only to treat small veins. Treatments may be combined with sclerotherapy, and multiple treatments are usually required.

For patients who undergo Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy, the post-operative recovery is very good. The overwhelming majority of patients treated for varicose veins leave with only a bandage wrapped around the area. They return to normal daily activities usually within two days. While the amount of post-treatment pain varies from one patient to another, most require only Tylenol or ibuprofen for any discomfort. Complete recovery, including resolution of bruising, takes from four to eight weeks. Detailed written instructions are given to each patient.

P.K. Bhatnagar, M.D., is board-certified in general surgery and has special interest and training to perform vascular, thoracic, laparoscopic

and bariatric surgeries.

His office is in the FHN Family Healthcare Center on Stephenson Street in Freeport;