What happens in your consultation?
A standard consultation last 30 minutes and will include an examination and usually an ultrasound scan at the initial appointment. Occasionally for the more difficult cases the patient may need to have a more complicated scan and then come back for a second appointment. Mr Chaloner and Mr Sweeney will then discuss with you the treatment options for your condition and the best method of anaesthesia based on your preferences.
What happens on the day of surgery?
On the day of surgery you will come to the hospital and be prepared for theatre. Your operation will be performed by either Mr Sweeney or Mr Chaloner and then after a short recovery period you will be able to go home. Varicose vein surgery is delivered as a day case treatment, meaning we almost never keep patients in hospital overnight.
What happens after your treatment?
You will have some bandages on the leg, but you will be able to walk around. You will be given some painkillers and some anti-inflammatory gel to take if you need it, but most patients find they need very few painkillers, such as parcetamol and ibuprofen.
After five days you will need to remove the bandages by soaking them off in the bath – they come off very easily. Latest studies suggest the average time off work is three days after EVLT – compared with 12 days after open varicose vein surgery.
The majority of people will be able to drive after three to four day, but it is important to check with your car insurance company that they will cover you after an operation.
Possible complications
After EVLT treatment there are very few complications. The most common complication is a vein irritation that can last a couple of weeks, but very few patients get this.The risk of getting a deep vein thrombosis after EVLT treatment is very low less than 1 in 1,000.
What happens next?
You will usually be seen for follow up at about two weeks after the operation by Mr Sweeney or Mr Chaloner. Sometimes patients want to have further follow up for additional treatment for sclerotherapy for thread veins.
If you would like to arrange any further treeatments our Private Patients Co-ordinator is here to help so feel free to call: 01580 24 25 21.
Post operative remedies
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ARNICA: Arnica is a plant extract derived from a plant called Arnica Montana, which is a member of the daisy family of flowers. It is available in tablets and gels from most high street chemists as well as health food shops and is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies. Many patients say that Arnica helps with pain and bruising after surgery.
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IBULEVE GEL: This is a topical preparation made up of 10% ibuprofen. It can be rubbed onto areas of bruising or soreness after surgery. It works very well and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Caution must be exercised when using it in tandem with Voltarol tablets which are commonly prescribed after surgery – the two can be used together but in carefully controlled doses.
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BIO-OIL: The oil contains a variety of compounds said to improve scarring and skin blemishes. It is quite expensive to buy, but a lot of people say it speeds up healing of scars after surgery. The reasons it works are not clear, but it may be due to the anti-oxidant properties of some of the constituent parts.
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VITAMIN E OIL: Vitamin E oil is commonly used as a food supplement and sold in capsules. However, if the capsules are broken open and applied to scars and bruises they seem to clear up faster. Again the anti-oxidant effects are thought to be the active ingredient. Mr Chaloner and Mr Sweeney recommend it to their patients