Varicose Veins Treatment in Pune

Laser ablation, sclerotherapy, and surgical solutions with Dr Kundan Kharde

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear dark blue or purple, typically on the legs and feet. They develop when venous valves fail, allowing blood to pool and veins to dilate. Affecting 10-20% of the population, they range from purely cosmetic to causing significant symptoms including pain, swelling, and skin complications.

Chronic venous insufficiency progresses over time. Early intervention with modern minimally invasive techniques prevents complications and provides superior cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional surgery.

Causes & Risk Factors

Non-Modifiable Factors

Family history (70% inheritance)
Age (increases with age)
Female gender (3:1 female predominance)
Genetic weak vein walls

Modifiable Risk Factors

Prolonged standing/sitting
Pregnancy and hormonal changes
Obesity and weight gain
Lack of physical exercise
Tight clothing, high heels

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Visible dark blue or purple enlarged veins
Aching or heaviness in legs, especially after prolonged standing
Swelling in ankles and feet
Skin itching or burning near affected veins
Leg cramps, especially at night
Skin darkening, thickening, or ulceration in severe cases
Pain relieved by leg elevation or compression

Diagnosis: Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This non-invasive imaging provides:

Visualization of vein anatomy and valve function
Assessment of blood flow direction and reflux patterns
Identification of superficial vs deep vein involvement
Measurement of vein diameter and wall thickness
Planning for optimal treatment approach
Documentation of disease severity and progression

Treatment Options Comparison

Treatment	Success Rate	Recovery	Best For
Compression Therapy	Symptom relief only	Immediate	Mild symptoms, prevention
Sclerotherapy	80-90%	1 week	Spider veins, small branches
Laser Ablation (EVLA)	95-98%	1-2 weeks	Large primary veins
Surgical Stripping	90-95%	3-4 weeks	Complex, extensive disease

Laser Ablation (EVLA) Benefits

✓

Minimal Invasiveness

Single needle puncture, no surgical incisions required

✓

High Success Rate

95-98% vein closure rate at 1-year follow-up

✓

Fast Recovery

Return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks

✓

Better Cosmetics

No scars, improved skin appearance over time

✓

Less Pain

Minimal post-operative discomfort and pain

✓

Lower Recurrence

5-10% recurrence at 5 years vs 15% with surgery

Recovery Timeline

Day 1: Mild discomfort, compression stocking wear, light walking encouraged

Week 1: Continue compression, return to normal activities, pain subsides

Week 2: Remove compression gradually, resume exercise, improved swelling

4-6 weeks: Complete recovery, vein appearance improves, full activity resumption

Post-Treatment Care

Proper post-treatment care ensures optimal results and prevents complications:

Do:

Wear compression stockings as advised
Walk regularly for circulation
Elevate legs when resting
Stay well-hydrated
Avoid sitting/standing for long periods
Follow dietary recommendations

Avoid:

Strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
Hot baths or saunas for 1 week
Tight clothing restricting circulation
Direct sun exposure on treated areas
Prolonged sitting or standing
Air travel for 2 weeks

Other Treatments Available

Circumcision Surgery

Pilonidal Sinus Treatment

Varicose Veins and Endovenous Treatment

Varicose veins result from venous valve failure and reflux. Evaluation often includes duplex ultrasound mapping. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) seals faulty superficial veins under local anaesthesia or sedation depending on protocol.

Candidacy and compression

Patients with symptomatic reflux in target veins may benefit; compression stockings support healing post-treatment.

Recovery

Walking is encouraged; bruising or tightness may occur temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop when vein valves fail, allowing blood backflow and pooling. Risk factors include genetics (70% of patients have family history), prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, and advancing age. Venous insufficiency is the underlying cause.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

While usually cosmetic, varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, and skin ulceration. Serious complications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), though rare. Progressive symptoms warrant treatment to prevent complications.

What is laser ablation for varicose veins?

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses heat energy to permanently close diseased veins. A laser fiber is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance and slowly withdrawn, sealing the vein. Minimally invasive with high success rates (95-98%).

How does sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy injects a chemical irritant into the vein, causing inflammation and vein closure. The body absorbs the closed vein over time. Effective for spider veins and small varicose veins, typically requiring multiple sessions.

What is the recovery time after treatment?

Recovery varies by procedure. EVLA: 1-2 weeks normal activities. Sclerotherapy: 1 week with compression. Surgical stripping: 3-4 weeks. Laser offers fastest recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Will varicose veins return after treatment?

Recurrence rates depend on treatment type and underlying vein disease severity. EVLA: 5-10% recurrence at 5 years. Surgery: 10-15%. Complete valve restoration is not possible, but treatment prevents progression and symptom recurrence.

Is compression therapy effective alone?

Compression stockings help symptoms but don't eliminate varicose veins. They reduce swelling and pain, improve circulation, and prevent progression. However, they're temporary solutions; definitive treatment requires procedural intervention.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

Prevention includes regular exercise, leg elevation, avoiding prolonged standing/sitting, maintaining healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings for high-risk individuals. These measures reduce symptom severity but cannot prevent genetic predisposition.

This procedure is performed at Sharvari Hospital

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