Vein deseases

Varicose veins (varicose veins) are permanently dilated and tortuous veins in the superficial venous system that mostly occur in the leg. Varicose veins are a widespread disease. Due to a weakness in the connective tissue, the valves in the veins can no longer close completely and as a result the blood in the affected leg vein flows incorrectly towards the foot and there is an overload in the vein wall and therefore the veins protrude in a tortuous manner over time. This is called varicose veins. Other factors such as age, obesity and lack of exercise favour the development of varicose veins. Without treatment, varicose veins can cause considerable damage to the venous system, with very serious consequences, such as an open leg, thrombosis or phlebitis. Therefore, varicose veins should not be downplayed and you should see a vein doctor (phlebologist).

Treatment methods:

• Conservative treatment - wearing compression stockings, getting enough exercise, cold watering.
• Surgical treatment methods
• Classic surgery - crossectomy and stripping
• Modern, gentle and almost incision-free procedures - endovenous laser therapy, miniphlebectomy, isolated removal of branch varices

All these treatment methods can be performed on an outpatient basis under a special form of local anaesthesia (tumescent local anaesthesia). In order to make the treatment as comfortable as possible for the patient, it is also possible to perform the procedures in cooperation with an anaesthetist (anaesthetist) on an outpatient basis in twilight sleep. In very rare cases and for certain indications, the operation may require a partial or general anaesthetic. The operation can be performed either on a day surgery outpatient basis or as part of an inpatient stay in a private clinic in Merano.

As a rule, spider veins do not cause any discomfort. In most cases, they are only cosmetically disturbing. However, spider veins can be the first sign of vein disease. The vein specialist phlebologist can determine whether such a disease of larger veins is present.

Laser treatment:
Various laser devices can be used here. Laser treatment also requires several sessions to achieve a good cosmetic result. As a rule, sun exposure should be avoided for about two weeks after laser treatment. The best results are achieved with small red veins. The indication for treatment is determined together with the patient after a previous detailed discussion and a diagnosis by means of a colour ultrasound examination (duplex sonography) of the veins. An individual treatment plan is drawn up for the best possible results and beautiful legs for the patient.

Sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy):
A distinction is made between - sclerotherapy in liquid form and sclerotherapy in foam techniqueVery good medical and cosmetic improvement can be achieved. As a rule, the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis in the consultation without any restrictions on work or sport. Several treatment appointments are usually necessary.

PHLEBITIS:
When there is a blood clot (thrombus) in the superficial vein system, it is called superficial phlebitis (thrombophlebitis superficialis). In the vast majority of cases, superficial phlebitis is found in the legs. It is much rarer in the arms and, in exceptional cases, in other parts of the body. Pre-existing pathological changes in the veins, such as varicose veins or a previous phlebitis, increase the risk of a new thrombotic event. Depending on the location, strand-like hardening, reddening of the skin with overheating and pain occur in the area of the affected vein and its surroundings.

Treatment of phlebitis:
By means of an ultrasound examination by a vein specialist, the exact diagnosis and the extent of the thrombosis can be determined. Therapy can be started immediately. As a rule, the therapy is done on an outpatient basis with blood-thinning medication. Compression therapy with compression stockings or compression bandages is also important. The duration and dose of blood thinning depend on the localisation and extent of the phlebitis and the individual risk profile of the person affected. The vein specialist will monitor the course of treatment using ultrasound.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS:
If there is a blood clot in the area of the deep vein, it is called deep vein thrombosis. In the vast majority of cases, the leg veins are affected, more rarely the arm veins. Thrombosis can be caused by a change in the composition of the blood (clotting of the blood) or by a slowing down of the blood flow in the vessel (e.g. prolonged confinement to bed). The main danger of thrombosis is that parts of the blood clot or even the entire blood clot will break off and be transported to the heart and then to the lungs. This is called a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. If the patient has a history of deep vein thrombosis and symptoms such as a feeling of pressure, swelling and discolouration of the leg, as well as pain and muscle ache, a vein specialist should be consulted immediately.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis:
Ultrasound diagnostics can be used to determine the extent of the clot in the deep veins of the leg. Blood-thinning therapy is given either in the form of injections or tablets (modern anticoagulants). In addition, depending on the findings, compression therapy is carried out by means of compression stockings or the application of compression bandages. In most cases, the therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. The duration and dose of blood thinning depend on the localisation and extent of the findings as well as the individual risk profile of the person affected. The leg that was once affected by a thrombosis has a higher risk of developing a thrombosis again, so regular checks by a vein specialist are necessary.

Not a purely aesthetic problem, but a medical one. The little-known lipedema is a progressive disease of the fatty tissue. There is an atypical, symmetrical formation of fat deposits on the sides of the hips and thighs. Later on, the disease can also spread to the lower legs, arms and neck. The additional storage of fluid in these fat deposits often leads to pain and tenderness as well as a tendency to bruising. Lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women, after puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. Hormonal changes and a genetic predisposition are thought to be the cause. Lipedema is not the result of being overweight - diet and exercise hardly lead to an improvement of the clinical picture in this case.

Treatment methods:

• Lymphatic drainage according to Vodder and compression therapy.
• Cryolipolysis
• Surgical therapy by liposculpture (consultant specialist)