Rehabilitation after phlebectomy

Varicose veins are a common pathology. Lack of treatment leads to the progression of the process, which involves surgical intervention. Rehabilitation after phlebectomy of the postoperative period provides for compliance with the recommendations performed under the supervision of a specialist. These rules help prevent the development of complications.

Symptoms that do not require medical attention

The appearance of such symptoms is typical for the early period after surgery. They do not require the appointment of drug therapy or additional intervention, as they pass within a short period on their own. Among these manifestations are:

• The presence of pain in local areas of postoperative sutures.
• The presence of hematomas on the lower limb.
• An increase in body temperature on the first day of the postoperative period.
• The appearance of seals along the vein or in the area of ​​​​the skin suture.
• The development of edema on the leg, the appearance of which is not associated with physical activity or occurrence in the evening.
• Change in temperature response caused by insufficient restoration of blood flow. After some time, the patient may feel a constant cooling.

The recovery time for each symptom is individual and largely depends on the severity of the pathological process.

Rules for the care of a postoperative wound

After the patient is discharged home, wounds remain on the skin.
The sutures from the skin are removed five or seven days after the phlebectomy operation. Therefore, suture threads may not be removed during early discharge. In such situations, careful medical care is required. Key care tips include:

• It is forbidden to wet the foot. In the presence of contamination, they should be cleaned locally using cotton-gauze wipes moistened with water.
• Regularly change bandages or patches that are used to prevent the entry of germs.
• Daily treatment of seams with alcohol solutions, hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. It is necessary to carefully inspect this area, avoiding the preservation of threads or other fibers of the dressing in the area of ​​the skin defect.
• If there are signs of wetting, they are treated with a brilliant green solution. Suppuration requires the use of local forms of drugs with the presence of antibiotics. The most popular in this case is Levomekol ointment.

Recommendations in the early postoperative period

Since compliance with the recommendations in the early postoperative period after phlebectomy is necessary to prevent complications and quick recovery. The doctor needs to explain to the patient about the basic rules of the early recovery period even before the operation. Among them are:

• Early activation of the patient. Immediately after the operation, the patient is recommended to perform minor physical activity, which includes turning over, bending the leg in the area of ​​the ankle or knee joints. It is forbidden to get out of bed during the first day after the operation. Further, walking should be introduced gradually, with a maximum duration of not more than 10 days and subsequent rest.
• Immediately after the operation, compression garments are used to maintain sufficient vascular tone and prevent thrombosis. Stockings are pulled in a lying position in the morning without getting up or sitting down.
• Conducting positional therapy. It is necessary to sleep or lie on the bed with a raised foot end. This ensures the outflow of blood from the lower extremities and the prevention of thrombosis.
• Full compliance with the recommendations for taking medications aimed at eliminating complications. Among the necessary means, a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are distinguished.
• Performing a foot massage. Light massage movements help improve microcirculation and reduce the risk of blood stasis.
• When walking, avoid lifting weights and physical activity.
• Removal of sutures, formed crusts and dried blood is prohibited independently, as this can cause the development of purulent complications.

Features of nutrition after phlebectomy

After phlebectomy in the postoperative period, recommendations include nutritional rules.
It is due to the inclusion of certain products and the exclusion of substances that cause harm not only to the vessels, but to the whole organism, the further course of the disease depends. Among the main products that are included in the diet, there are:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. This vitamin helps to strengthen the vascular wall, and also increases its tone. Among the foods that contain a large amount of vitamin, cabbage, blackcurrant and citrus fruits are distinguished. They should be consumed fresh, as this prevents the breakdown of nutrients as a result of heat treatment.
• Seafood. These products contain a large amount of useful minerals, protein and other substances, in particular iodine. Their regular use causes strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in the tone of elastic fibers, including on the skin. These food substances include sea fish, mussels, shellfish and others. Seafood, which has a beneficial effect on the venous system, also includes seaweed.
• Foods rich in dietary fiber. They contribute to the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing constipation and the accumulation of toxins. These include vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals, which are rich in fiber. Also, the diet should be enriched with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients.
• To prevent blood clots or increase the risk of blood clots, add coumarin foods to your diet. It promotes blood thinning, which causes its easy and unhindered movement along the vascular walls. This causes a decrease in the load on the venous wall. These include garlic, lemon, cherries and currants. They are not recommended to be eaten in large quantities, but added regularly.
• In cases where the patient is overweight, it is necessary that the menu contribute to weight loss, but at the same time contain a sufficient amount of proteins and fats.
• Within a few months, it is necessary to exclude foods rich in vegetable or animal fats, cholesterol and other substances that cause blood clotting.

Sports after surgery

Physical activity in varicose veins is of great importance.
This is due to the fact that sport helps to improve microcirculation, reduce body weight and load on the veins of the lower extremities. Patients who have undergone surgery to remove varicose veins should include physical activity in their lifestyle. To do this, you must follow the basic rules:

• Within 10 days after surgery, it is necessary to completely exclude physical exercises, except for turning over and short-term flexion movements in the ankle or knee joints. After that, slow walking with regular breaks is connected.
• Preference in the late recovery period should be given to cycling, swimming, gymnastics, yoga or aerobics.
• All procedures should be carried out only in compression hosiery, which is selected by a specialist based on the degree of damage to the venous bed, the circumferences of the lower extremities and other factors.
• Exercises that increase intra-abdominal pressure are absolutely contraindicated in patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities. They cause an increase in the load on the veins and enhance the processes of violation of the structure of the vascular wall. Such exercises include weightlifting, strength training, jumping rope, running, as well as boxing or skiing.
• When including physical activity in the lifestyle, it must be borne in mind that all exercises should be introduced gradually with increasing training time. They should be carried out with the correct technique, which prevents harmful effects not only on the veins, but also on the joints and spine.

Drug therapy

After the surgical intervention, it is necessary to use the means of drug therapy.
Since varicose disease captures the entire vascular bed, the removal of one of the superficial veins does not eliminate the pathology. Drug therapy is necessary in the future to prevent further progression of the pathology and prevent complications. Among the main types of drugs are:

• A group of venotonics. They help to strengthen the vascular wall and prevent violations of the architectonics of elastic fibers. The drugs can be used in local and systemic forms. A combination of several dosage forms that enhance the therapeutic effect is acceptable. Their application should be carried out in courses.
• group of anticoagulants.
  Means help to thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. Their use is carried out under the control of the coagulogram. The injection form is used in the initial postoperative period of phlebectomy, which is prescribed to prevent blood clots.

Complications of the postoperative period after phlebectomy

The development of complications is a rare condition, as a rule they are caused by difficult technical access, problems that arise during the operation, as well as errors in the postoperative period. These clinical manifestations include:

• The development of bleeding, which provokes the formation of a massive hematoma.
• Accession of an infection with the subsequent suppurative process.
  The development of severe pain associated with possible damage to nerve fibers.
• Decreased or complete loss of sensitivity in the region of the lower limb, caused by impaired blood circulation and transmission of nerve impulses.
• The appearance of a lymphocele or lymphorrhea. Lymphocele is accompanied by the formation of a cavity, which is filled with lymph, with lymphorrhea, it constantly flows out of the postoperative wound, which provokes wetting, lack of healing and subsequent suppuration.
• Formation of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis in adjacent veins.
• Of the late complications, subsequent varicose veins of adjacent veins are distinguished, requiring a second operation.

These conditions can cause severe complications and threat to life.

That is why it is necessary to seek medical help in a timely manner and not use medications on your own.