The Department of Thoracic Surgery & Blood Vessels of Khanh Hoa General Hospital has just received a technique in the treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser therapy...
The Department of Thoracic Surgery & Blood Vessels of Khanh Hoa General Hospital has just received a technique in the treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser therapy, a new procedure that is believed to be more beneficial than conventional approach, under the technical transfer by Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center.
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| Physicians of Khanh Hoa General Hospital perform the surgery under the guidance by physicians of Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center. |
Nguyen Thi Kim Nga, 58 year old, Nha Trang City, was one of 24 patients going endovenous laser therapy successfully applied at Khanh Hoa General Hospital this April. She has been suffering from the disease for 5 years with painful swelling and appearance of spider veins when sitting and walking for long periods. “The endovenous laser therapy is less painful and I can walk after only 1 day of the treatment,” she says.
The endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided technique used for treating varicose veins using laser energy. Endovenous laser treatment treats varicose veins using an optical fiber inserted into the vein to be treated. The new procedure is less invasive with a lower complication rate. This method is successful, especially for normal cases. However, open surgery is still required for serious cases, says Dr. Tran Minh Bao Luan, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Blood Vessels, Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center.
Varicose veins occur when the valves within the veins become incompetent and allow blood to backflow. Varicose veins are more common in women aged over 30. Office staff, teachers, drivers and medical staff whose work requires sitting or standing for long periods are likely to develop varicose veins. There are many reasons leading to varicose veins such as pregnancy, obesity, a diet high in meat and carbohydrates, not eating enough vegetables and fruits, wearing high-heeled shoes, etc, according to Dr. Le Viet Huan, the Department of Thoracic Surgery & Blood Vessels of Khanh Hoa General Hospital.
The symptoms include painful swelling in the leg, heaviness, cramps, especially in the evening etc. It can be identified by the appearance of spider veins in the affected leg, enlarged veins, edema, dermatitis, etc. “Varicose veins is a common disease but it may be mistaken for arthritis. Some patients seek for a medical care only when the situation becomes serious. Severe varicosities can lead to dangerous blood clotting, which may be life-threatening,” Dr. Le Viet Huan warned, adding that, "Patients are required to strictly follow indications, particularly wearing compression stockings, after undergoing the endovenous laser therapy."
T.L
Translated by N.T
