WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?Varicose veins are abnormally dilated veins. They are defined as clearly visible, blue, and thickened or palpable, somewhat tortuous veins in the legs. They develop because the delicate valves that are supposed to be in the veins are damaged or no longer function properly. Varicose veins can develop for various reasons, such as a family history, pregnancy, or a history of thrombosis. Varicose veins can be cosmetically unsightly or cause symptoms such as tiredness, a heavy feeling in the legs, tremors, or pain.WHAT IS SCLEROSIS?Sclerosing involves injecting a varicose vein with a fluid (ethoxysclerol). This fluid causes the vessel wall to adhere. This transforms the varicose vein into a cord, preventing blood flow. The function of the vanished varicose vein is then taken over by one of the many other, normal veins nearby.THE TREATMENTThe doctor will puncture the varicose vein and inject the fluid. There is a limit to the amount of fluid that can be injected. Therefore, the doctor may decide to continue the procedure the following week. A treatment takes 10-20 minutes. After the treatment, you will be asked to wait an additional 15 minutes due to the risk of an allergic reaction. This rarely occurs.IS SCLEROSIS PAINFUL?You will naturally feel the puncture of the veins. The injection itself is not painful for large veins. For small varicose veins (spider veins), it is sensitive, with a slight burning sensation.BRING SOCKS!If you are coming for a varicose vein injection, you will need two types of stockings: a white Comprinet understocking and a (usually brown) custom-made elastic support stocking or pantyhose. You must bring these stockings with you.
You can pick up the white Comprinet stocking from the pharmacy. You will receive a prescription for this stocking with the size and length (knee-length or thigh-length). If you are having surgery on both legs, you will need two white stockings. The (brown) elastic stocking must be fitted. These custom-made stockings are available at specialty medical supply stores (various addresses and suppliers). You will receive a prescription or note stating what you need (one or two knee-length stockings, one thigh-length stockings, or pantyhose) and an authorization form for reimbursement by your health insurance company.WHY THE WHITE COMPRINET STOCKING?Immediately after the injection, cotton balls are placed on the leg to apply extra pressure to the injected vein. The Comprinet stocking ensures that these cotton balls remain securely in place. Note: you must leave the white stocking on your leg day and night for a week. On Monday evening, before your visit to the outpatient clinic on Tuesday, remove the white stocking and all the cotton balls. Then immediately put the brown stocking back on. You can wash the white stocking on Monday evening if necessary, but you must bring it back with you on Tuesday.
WHY THE SKIN-COLORED SUPPORT PANTYHOSE OR STOCKING(S)?
To promote the adhesion of the varicose vein wall, certain pressure must be applied to the legs. The support stocking or pantyhose provides this. From the moment of injection, the brown stocking must be worn continuously. It may only be removed when you go to sleep (but it is not required, but it is allowed). Note: You must put on the stocking while lying on the bed and take it off while lying on the bed. You must not stand on your legs without the support stocking or pantyhose. If you need to get up at night, for example, to urinate, the stocking or pantyhose must be put on first! You should also plan not to shower for several weeks. The stockings must not get wet. This means you should wash with washcloths and at the sink.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE STOCKINGS BE WORN?This depends on the size of the vein. For small veins, 5 to 7 days is sufficient, but for large veins, you must continue wearing the stockings for 3 weeks after the last injection. Three appointments are typically scheduled. If you only have small varicose veins and two appointments are needed to inject all the veins, you'll be finished within 2 weeks. If you have many large varicose veins and large veins still need to be injected at the third appointment, you'll need to wear stockings for 5 weeks.CAN I EXERCISE AND WORK AFTER THE INJECTION?Normal physical activity such as walking or cycling is permitted, but intensive exercise such as running or fitness training is discouraged as it can interfere with treatment. Prolonged standing, sitting, and heavy lifting should also be avoided.ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED?Properly performed varicose vein treatment carries no significant risks.
- In some cases, phlebitis can occur, which is not serious.
- When injecting varicose veins, a brown discoloration of the skin can sometimes occur. This does not always disappear.
- If the injection fluid gets next to the blood vessel, the skin can break at that location.
- A (too) tight bandage can sometimes cause small blisters.
Check the following for yourself:
- You have been given three appointments, always on a Tuesday.
- You have received a verbal explanation of the treatment
. - You have received two prescriptions: one for the white stocking and one for the support stocking or tights.
- You have received an authorization form for your health insurance for the support stocking.WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW- Ordering a support stocking can take up to 6 weeks.
- Support stockings/pantyhose are no longer always reimbursed. Check with your insurance company.
- On the day of treatment, you may experience a headache, chills, and fever in the evening.
- You may take a 500 mg paracetamol tablet, but not aspirin.
- Any bruising or reddish-brown discoloration will disappear on its own.
- Do not apply any oil to your legs during the treatment period. The stockings are not resistant to oil, and the plasters used to hold the cotton balls in place do not stick to oiled skin.
- Injecting varicose veins can, in many cases, reduce or eliminate symptoms (such as tired or heavy legs, cramps, tingling, pain, or restless legs), but this is not guaranteed. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that no new varicose veins will develop in the future.
If you experience any problems after the injection, please contact the department. |
