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» Phlebology - Minimally Invasive Surgery with Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) - Laser surgery for varicose veins
» Endovenous Laser Treatment - Laser Varicose Vein Surgery
How does Endovenous Laser remove varicose veins?
Endovenous or Endoluminal Laser is used to treat varicose veins that were traditionally treated by conventional varicose vein surgery. The technique consists in introducing laser energy into the diseased veins, so that the therapeutic action takes effect from the inside. This treatment is fit for all varicose veins over 4 millimeters in diameter, with no maximum diameter limits. It is therefore performed on medium- or large-sized, diseased veins, which used to be typically subject to removal surgery.
When the problem is more complex, the procedure involves anesthetic sedation and a brief stay at the clinic. After a correct clinical-phlebological diagnosis, the procedure technically involves surgical treatment of the venous reflux points. Thus, if the disease begins in the crotch area, that is where the sick veins are tied to prevent varicose veins from reappearing, and afterwards a small optic fiber is inserted in all varicose veins by means of a needle inserted through the skin. The optical fiber will go up to the area where the vein is enlarged and is then removed, causing laser energy discharges to produce the therapeutic effect of irreversibly closing the venous wall.
What are the advantages of this procedure in comparison to conventional varicose vein surgery?
Endovenous Laser treatment has great advantages over conventional surgery. In all cases, it is less traumatic, less invasive and the veins are not removed as in conventional surgery. For this reason, it is a minimally invasive technique where patients can quickly return to work (between 24 and 48 hours after the procedure). In less serious cases of venous insufficiency, the procedure becomes an out-patient treatment that does not require a stay at the clinic, and uses local anesthesia, is less harsh and painful than conventional varicose vein surgery and has more aesthetic results.
What are the steps to be followed if I’m planning to travel to undergo laser surgery on my varicose veins?
It is necessary for us to know exactly what veins require treatment and which procedure is the most appropriate (Endoluminal Laser treatment or conventional surgery). There are 2 alternatives for this: you may consult with a Phlebologist or Veins Specialist (perhaps you have already done this and therefore consult with us) in your home country and, after that, you may send us the diagnosis and indications via e-mail for us to then send you the quote. If you have undergone a "Venous Doppler Ultrasound study of both lower extremities", please send it along as well (patients will always be requested by phlebologists to have this study performed to know if vein surgery is necessary).
The second option is to have the following pre-surgical study done: "Venous Doppler Ultrasound study of both lower extremities" and to send us the results via e-mail. For further assurance, please e-mail us photographs of the legs taken as a frontal view shot, a profile shot, a half-profile shot and a reverse side shot, where the varicose veins can be clearly seen. Our physicians will evaluate the information and we will send you a reply.
This information is necessary not only to be able to send an exact quote, but also because Laser Surgery is not prescribed for all people.
With this information, we will evaluate your case and provide you with an answer as soon as possible. If Laser Surgery is indicated, the pre-surgical studies listed below will be required. It is important to know that sometimes certain veins meeting specific conditions can be removed with laser treatment, while others will have to be removed using microsurgery, during the laser surgery procedure.
How long does the patient need to stay?
Usually from 5 to 8 days, depending on each particular case, provided the post-operation stage is normal, as is usually the case.
What pre-surgical studies are necessary for Laser Surgery?
The following pre-surgical studies are necessary and should not be over one month old on the date of the procedure. Results are submitted after around 5 days.
- Venous Doppler Ultrasound of both lower extremities.
- Blood tests: Hemogram, glucose, creatininemia levels, liver profile, coagulogram, HIV serology.
- Cardiology: ECG and surgical risk.
» Photographs required: Photographs of the legs with a frontal shot, a profile shot, a half-profile shot and a back shot, where the varicose veins can be clearly seen. The photographs should include only the leg and thigh areas, not the trunk or head.
» Days of stay: Between 5 and 7 days, depending on each particular case.
» Hospitalization: Patients will not require hospitalization, as the laser surgery is an out-patient procedure. The usual resting period recommended ranges between 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours at the clinic after the surgery (this will depend on the veins operated and the type of surgery). After the procedure, the patients will rest at the clinic for 4 hours, and will then be free to leave to their hotel or place of accommodation.