Varicose Veins and Haemorrhoids Treatment
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins which are usually a blue or dark purple colour, sometimes looking like a roadmap on elderly people’s legs.
They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance. They develop when the small valves inside the veins, which usually prevent backflow of the blood that’s flowing smoothly to the heart, stop working properly. If these valves are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and can collect or “pool” in the vein. Varicose veins are a very common condition, tending to afflict women more than men, and usually develop in the legs, feet and calves because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body. They may be unsightly, but they should not affect your circulation or cause any long-term health problems.
Most will not require any treatment for anything other than cosmetic reasons. For some people though, varicose veins can cause aching, swollen and painful legs and in some rare cases they can also cause complications, such as skin discolouration and leg ulcers which definitely require treatment. Haemorrhoids or Piles are small, blood-filled swellings often caused by dilated varicose veins that result from constipation or straining when using the toilet. They are usually located just inside the anus (internal haemorrhoids) but can sometimes protrude (external haemorrhoids). Haemorrhoids are not dangerous, but they can cause anal bleeding and itching as well as some pain and discomfort. All our consultants at Abbey Hospitals cover the broad range of vascular surgery. Each has his own specific area of expertise and together they can provide specialist treatment covering varicose veins, venous ulceration, sclerotheraphy and revisional surgery for recurrent veins and treatment of haemorrhoids.
EVLT (EndoVenous Laser Treatment)
This is a relatively new treatment for varicose veins performed at most Hospitals and is an alternative to surgically stripping the veins out from the leg or affected area. It’s quick, taking no more than 60 minutes usually, and leaves no scarring. Performed under a local anaesthetic, most patients can return to work or an active life within 1 – 2 days of the procedure. It works by using laser energy to close the faulty vein and eliminate its appearance. Ultrasound is used to guide a microscopic laser probe, inserted through a tiny nick in the skin, to the affected vein. The surgeon then withdraws the probe through the entire length of the vein, using laser energy to close it as the probe passes. Once the desired length of vein has been treated, the probe is removed and the treatment is complete.
HALO (Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation)
This is a new procedure designed to eradicate piles without the need for cutting. As such, it is relatively pain free, and most patients are back to work after 1 -2 days with the minimum of discomfort. The operation aims to restore the haemorrhoids back to their correct anatomical position by causing the piles to shrink. Smaller haemorrhoids can be treated under local anaesthesia using this technique. A miniature ultrasound device locates branches of arteries supplying the haemorrhoids and these blood vessels are tied off. Without a blood supply, the haemorrhoid shrinks over the subsequent days and weeks.
The Cost
All the procedures described here are available on a Fixed Price Surgery scheme. Please contact us for full details.
How Long Will You Stay in Hospital?
That depends entirely on the procedure to be carried out and your rate of recovery but since some of these procedures are conducted under general anaesthesia, a hospital stay will be required. On your first consultation, your consultant will advise you on the likely length of stay in hospital.
How to Make an Appointment
A referral from your GP is preferred. We will then arrange an appointment time for you. If your treatment does not require a GP referral, the Consultant will write to your GP before the surgery is carried out.
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