What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted and swollen cord-like veins which may be red, bluish or purple in color and are most commonly seen on the legs and thigh.

What are the causes of varicose veins?

The causes are:

  Family history

  Genetic

  Standing/Sitting for long hours

  Obesity

  Pregnancy

  Hormonal

What are the symptoms?

The common symptoms are:

  No symptoms at all

  Bluish twisted veins

  Bleeding

  Skin ulcers

  Skin discoloration, itching

  Burning and cramping sensation

I have Varicose Veins. What do I do next?

Please visit us so that a doctor can clinically examine you and guide you further.

What will happen if I leave my varicose veins alone?

When left untreated, varicose veins can result in sores, skin ulcers, blood clots, bleeding and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It’s best to treat varicose veins as soon as possible to avoid these and, in the case of DVT, potentially life-threatening complication.

What are the treatment options?

Traditionally, the most common treatment is Open surgery which involves ligation and stripping of the Great Saphenous Vein. The latest advancement in Varicose veins treatment is via a procedure known as Laser Ablation of Varicose Veins (EVLT).

What is EVLT or Laser Ablation of Varicose Veins?

In this procedure a small needle is inserted into the vein after the skin in numbed and a Laser fibre is placed in the vein. Following cannulation the entire vein is ablated using Laser energy with a cut of the size of a pin point. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure and after the procedure is over the leg is wrapped up for support.

What are the advantages of EVLT or Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?

  Most advanced technology

  No cuts/wounds

  Patient discharged the next day

  Minimal complications

  Faster recovery and return to normal activities

  Painless procedure

  No need for prolonged bed rest

Does Insurance cover laser surgery for piles?

Yes all insurance and Mediclaim is covered by us.

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility.

What are the Clinical Features of Varicocele?

There may not be any symptoms or they may be mild and many do not require treatment. The patient may be aware of a lump in the scortum, especially when standing, but may notice that the swelling usually disappears when lying down. The lump, which may have a bluish appearance through the skin, is soft to feel, like a bunch of grapes or a bag of worms.

Treatment may be necessary if the varicocele is causing discomfort or any of the other problems listed below.

  Recurrent or constant discomfort or pain

  Enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum

  Infertility

  Painless testicle lump

  Scrotal swelling, or bulge within the scrotum

Who can Get a Varicocele and How is it Diagnosed?

Any male can be affected, although it is seen more frequently in tall, thin men, especially those from hot climates.

Physical examination: Sometimes a varicocele can be diagnosed during a physical examination. A large varicocele may be seen with the naked eye and may make the scrotum look lumpy so it resembles “a bag of worms”. Medium-sized varicocele may be detected during physical examination by feeling the area. A patient suspected of having a varicocele should be examined while standing up, as a varicocele is more prominent in this position than in the lying down position.

Semen analysis: Infertility caused by a varicocele typically produces a consistent pattern of incompletely developed, damaged, dead or dying sperms.

Other tests: When varicocele symptoms are not clearly present or it is a small varicocele, any of the following tests can be done

Doppler ultrasonography: It uses ultrasound echoes to detect the characteristic sound of the back flow of blood through the valve.

Venogram: It is an x-ray in which a special dye is injected into the veins to “highlight” blood vessel abnormalities.

Thermography: It uses infrared sensing technology to detect pockets of heat caused by pooled blood.

What are the Treatment Options for Varicocele?

Surgery to correct a varicocele is usually done on an outpatient basis. After a cut is made, usually in the lower abdomen, the doctor disconnects the network of tangled blood vessels by tying off the abnormal veins so that the blood will now flow around the area into normal veins. Ice pack is kept on the area for the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins (also called telangiectasias) are clusters of tiny blood vessels that develop close to the surface of the skin. They are often red, blue, or purple; and they have the appearance of a spiderweb. They are commonly found on the face and legs.

What causes spider veins?

Spider veins occur when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. They tend to become more numerous with age, and are common among people over 30 and in pregnant women.

What problems are caused by spider veins?

Some people experience painful symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping from spider veins, while others are bothered by their appearance.

What is the treatment for spider veins?

Getting rid of spider veins is safe and easy. Laser therapy is most effective for small varicose veins and spider veins. Doctors may also use laser therapy as an additional treatment after sclerotherapy, endovenous therapy, or surgery for larger varicose veins.

How does laser procedure work?

Laser therapy can heat blood vessels to shrink them. Laser therapy applies light energy from a laser onto a varicose vein to make it shrink and fade away.

How long will it be required to stay in the hospital?

Laser therapy for spider veins is a day care procedure. You will be discharged on the same day.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that’s turned to a solid state. Deep vein blood clots typically form in your thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other areas of your body.

What causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Blood clots may form in veins due to immobility, for example after surgery or if you sit for a long flight or car trip. Other risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis include:

  Injuries from an accident

  Prior history of DVT

  Family history of DVT

  Having a central venous catheter

  Cancer

  Being overweight

  Taking birth control pills or hormone therapy

  Pregnancy

  Smoking

What are the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Common symptoms are:

  Swelling of the leg

  Pain or tenderness in the leg

  Increased warmth in the area of the leg that is swollen or painful

  Red or discolored skin in the area of the leg that is swollen or painful

How is DVT prevented?

Proactive protection, also called prophylaxis, for DVT is far easier than treating it after it has occurred. Patients are evaluated for risk of DVT and are treated with appropriate prophylaxis while in the hospital. Prophylaxis may include:

  Frequent ambulation and simple leg exercises to help keep blood moving.

  Medications such as blood thinners. Some patients may be at high risk for using blood thinners. If so, compression stockings and / or a compression sleeve / pump will be placed on the patient’s legs or feet to help squeeze blood out and prevent clots from forming.

  Mechanical devices such as a compression pump. It is important for the patient to keep the compression sleeve / pump on at all times, except when walking.

How is DVT diagnosed?

Your physician will obtain your medical history and will perform an examination to determine if deep vein thrombosis is present. To verify the diagnosis, your physician may also order a duplex ultrasound, which is a noninvasive test that evaluates the deep veins for the presence of clots.

How is DVT treated?

Treatment of DVT includes blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin), to prevent the blood clot from progressing and dislodging to the lungs. If ordered by your physician, these medications are taken for at least three to six months. Frequent blood tests are required so that your physician can evaluate how well the blood thinners are working, and to determine if the dose of your medicine needs to be adjusted.