What are the effects of secondary surgery for varicose veins?

Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
Updated on September 07, 2024
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If varicose veins recur, we need to carefully investigate the cause of the recurrence and rule out problems in the deep venous system. If there is an obstruction in the deep veins, recurrence can occur quickly even after secondary surgery on the superficial veins. If the deep veins are only involved in venous reflux, surgery can still be performed, but it is hoped that medical compression stockings will be worn for a period of time after surgery. Otherwise, there is still a possibility of recurrence after the secondary surgery.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Can you run if you have varicose veins in your lower legs?

Patients with simple varicose veins can run. The movement of muscles, especially during running when the calf muscles are active, can compress the deep veins, facilitating the emptying of these veins. This benefits the flow of blood in the superficial veins through the communicating veins back to the deep venous system, thus participating in the systemic circulation. Therefore, patients with varicose veins in the calves can still run in the majority of cases. However, there are exceptions. If a person experiences significant muscle pain, it is important to be cautious as there may be a thrombus in the muscle veins. If there is a thrombus in the muscle veins, and the return flow in the deep veins is obstructed, this may also cause varicose veins. In cases of fresh thrombosis, running might lead to the detachment of the thrombus. Thus, patients in such conditions are advised not to run until further evaluation is confirmed by an ultrasound examination.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Late-stage complications of lower extremity varicose veins

In the advanced stages of lower extremity varicose veins, fixed ulcers can appear above the ankle in certain specific areas. These ulcers may improve or worsen intermittently and are long-lasting. The ulcers might gradually enlarge, and pigmentation can occur around them, with the skin gradually darkening, and even turning black. If these ulcers continue to remain unhealed for an extended period, there is a possibility of cancerous changes in some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to treat lower extremity varicose veins that have progressed to ulcers, with the primary treatments being compression therapy and medication, which can also be combined with surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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How to treat varicose veins stage II?

If you're referring to the second stage of varicose veins, I'm not sure if you mean the clinical manifestation stage two, or if it's a recurrence after one surgery. Let's first talk about stage two varicose veins, which means there are visible and tortuous vein clumps. There are several main treatment methods for this condition: First, conservative treatment, which involves wearing medical compression stockings. If symptoms include soreness, heaviness, or cramping, some medications can be taken orally. Then, if there is a desire for surgical treatment, options like vein stripping, radiofrequency, or laser treatments are available. Some may involve sclerotherapy or another method called venous angle keratin treatment, specifically for stage two varicose veins. If it's a recurrence of varicose veins, we need to assess the specific situation. Some people might have had previous endovenous closure surgeries, and their veins are still present. In such cases, we can choose to redo the closure or opt for surgery to remove them. Another scenario is if the varicose veins have recurred after surgery. We need to investigate the cause. Some people might have iliac vein stenosis, and in such cases, treatment targeted at the iliac vein is necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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What happens if varicose veins worsen?

Varicose veins, when they worsen, can lead to changes in the skin, including thickening of the skin which feels woody to the touch. Additionally, the skin may exhibit pigmentation that can be severe enough to resemble the black color of a belt. More seriously, ulcers can develop, typically near the inner ankle, though they occasionally appear in other locations. These ulcers are referred to medically as “boot ulcers” and are commonly known among the general population as “continuous sore legs.” In extreme cases, these ulcers may persist for many years without healing and could potentially become malignant.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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What should I do about varicocele?

The treatment methods for varicocele vary based on the severity of the condition. Clinically, some patients with varicocele show no obvious symptoms and it is only discovered during a physical examination. These patients can generally be observed temporarily, and can also wear tight underwear or use a scrotal support to alleviate the condition. However, some patients do exhibit clear symptoms, such as a significant sensation of heaviness in the scrotum, especially after standing or walking for long periods, where the pain becomes more pronounced. These patients generally need to consider surgical treatment, where the main procedure involves high ligation of the spermatic vein. This can help alleviate symptoms and also improve the quality of semen.