Over the past 3 years I was diagnosed with insufficient circulation due to weakened veins. The doctors told me there was no medicine and that the only alternatives are compression stockings or an ambulatory phlebectomy. Is an ambulatory phlebectomy necessary or would compression stockings work just as well?
Ambulatory phlebotomy is a great procedure for varicose veins, but only if the underlying problem of saphenous vein reflux is corrected, otherwise the veins will recur. Compression stockings do no resolve the problem of reflux.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose is never a cure for vein problems, they are only used to alleviate some of the discomfort. This method will never correct the real problem. Phlebectomy is an excellent treatment for large varicose veins and should be performed by a vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Good questions. The answer mainly depends on whether you have deep vs. superficial vein reflux (or vein insufficiency). This can be determined by ultrasound. If you have deep system reflux then compression stockings are your best bet. I'd try the 10 - 20 mmHg compression range first. Of course, if you have pain over the veins, or if the varicose veins are close to the skin surface and at risk for bleeding, then you should consider microphlebectomy. If you have superficial vein refux, then you should have treatment of the superficial veins first - this is likely the ongoing cause of your varicose veins. Superficial reflux is like a broken water pipe, it leaves a puddle of varicose veins to clean up. Fix the leaky pipe before you clean up the puddle!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If your saphenous veins are refluxing then there is treatment for those as well. Laser ablations are the best, and sclerotherapy treats those veins that are not visible on the surface of the skin. Ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) is just one form of treatment. Compression stockings just mask the symptoms and do not necessarily treat the problem, unless the problem is very mild. Find an interventional radiologist to treat you. An initial ultrasound would be the first step in the process.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose can help relieve the symptoms caused by varicose veins. Phlebectomy is a more definitive treatment, but you should have a duplex ultrasound examination of your leg veins before any treatment is undertaken.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings work until removed. Phlebectomy works after the stockings are removed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to go to a vein clinic and meet with a specialist who can determine the best form of treatment based on your condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A venous examination and ultrasound would determine whether compression stockings or an ambulatory phlebectomy is most appropriate for your condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012