Vascular surgery: What is it? - Vascular surgery is the branch of surgery that focuses on treating issues with the lymphatic and vascular systems.What are the factors that increase the risk of vascular diseases? Ageing HereditarySex: Females are more prone to vascular diseasesPregnancyHigh cholesterolHypertensionSedentary lifestylesObesitySmokingAlcoholismDiabetesLack of physical activityWhen Is Vascular Surgery Necessary? - The surgery is performed only after other treatment options, like lifestyle changes and medications, have failed to produce the desired results.Common Vascular Diseases and SymptomsAortic Abdominal Aneurysm

The aorta, which receives blood from the heart directly, is the biggest artery in the entire body. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge that develops in the aorta's wall and obstructs normal blood flow to the body's lower regions.

Vulvar Varicosities

Varicose veins that have grown in your vulva are known as vulvar varicosities (VVs). The vulva is the exterior genital region of a woman.

During pregnancy, many women develop VVs. This is due to the fact that changes in blood flow and elevated hormone levels can cause the veins in the vulva to expand. It causes pain or other symptoms in some people.

Spider Veins

Tiny vessels that are red, purple, or blue in colour that twist and twirl. Spider veins are very easily apparent through the skin. They have an impact on the capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. Spider veins are red or blue and resemble a spider's web or a tree limb. They are most commonly seen on the legs and face.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

The growth of tough plaques in the artery walls, known as atherosclerosis, causes the arteries to clog and narrow. The term "PAD" refers to any such disorder that affects the peripheral vascular system, which includes the arms and legs.

Varicose Veins

Twisted and turned blood vessels that are big, elevated, and swollen. They commonly appear in the legs and are visible through the skin. They are caused by a weakening of the blood vessel wall or by defective valves. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the legs or pelvic area.

Arteriovenous Fistula (AV)

A direct aberrant connection between an artery and a vein is known as an AV fistula. Blood typically travels from the arteries through the capillaries in the body's cells to the veins. However, AV fistula prevents blood flow to the artery's surrounding capillaries, depriving the cells of oxygen and nutrients.

Drs. Martin Forlee and James Tunnicliffe of Cape Town Vascular are experts at treating vascular illness with minimally invasive arterial and venous endovascular procedures as well as traditional open surgery.

Common Types Of Vascular Surgery ProceduresAngioplasty and Stenting

Why is the procedure required?

Stenting and angioplasty may be required if: When you walk, you feel pain in your legs or buttocks. Your feet and toes hurt whether you're lying in bed or at ease. Your ulcer is not getting better.

These signs could point to peripheral vascular disease, a condition marked by the narrowing of the blood vessels (arteries) in your leg. Atherosclerosis, which normally leaves arteries smooth and unhindered on the inside, can cause them to narrow or get blocked (hardening of the arteries). To expand these constricted channels, a vascular surgeon performs an angioplasty or stenting.

Permacath Insertion

Why is the procedure required?

A permcath is a type of catheter used for administering chemotherapy or performing a bone marrow transplant in individuals with haemophilia. It is also used for short-term dialysis treatment in patients with impaired kidney function. A specific intravenous line is inserted during a permcath procedure into a blood artery in your neck or upper chest, right below the collarbone.

What steps are involved?

The primary vein in the neck is poked with a needle under ultrasound guidance to execute permcath insertion. With the aid of x-rays, a guidewire is inserted through the needle and into the principal vein that leads to the heart. The dialysis catheter will then be inserted into your right atrium by the vascular surgeon, who will also cut the wire. The catheter's opposite end is inserted through a skin tunnel and emerges from the chest wall. The danger of infection is considerably decreased and the catheter can stay in place for a longer amount of time thanks to tunnelling (1-12 months). The insertion of a permcath will take 15 to 45 minutes, and afterward, a bandage will be used to cover the insertion site.

Radiofrequency Ablation and EVLT

Why is the procedure required?

Swollen veins on the surface of the leg are known as varicose veins. These happen as a result of elevated venous pressure, which is typically brought on by faulty valves. In addition to causing sensations like hurting, throbbing, and fatigued legs, this increased pressure in the veins can also result in more significant issues like vein inflammation, swelling, bleeding, skin darkening and thickening, and non-healing lesions known as ulcers.

What steps are involved?

Varicose veins can be treated with radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser therapy in a hospital setting or a doctor's office. The major vein with the damaged valves has a tiny catheter inserted up its centre. Heat is then used to completely seal off the vein from the inside, stopping all blood flow and pressure. With time, the vein shrivels up. Using vein hooks, the swollen branches are cut off through tiny micropuncture holes. Phlebectomy or numerous avulsions are terms used to describe this.

Trendelenberg and Strip Procedure For Varicose Veins

Why is the procedure required?

Swollen veins on the surface of the leg are known as varicose veins. These happen as a result of elevated venous pressure, which is typically brought on by faulty valves. In addition to symptoms like hurting, throbbing, and fatigued legs, this increased pressure in the veins can also cause more severe issues like vein inflammation, swelling, bleeding, skin darkening and thickening, and non-healing lesions known as ulcers.

What steps are involved?

Under anaesthesia, the Trendelenberg and Strip Procedure is carried out in a medical facility. To access the junction of the superficial vein with the problematic valves and the deep vein, a tiny cut is made in the groyne. The deep vein is severed from the superficial vein, which is then stripped (extracted) from the thigh. Using vein hooks, the swollen branches are cut off through tiny micropuncture holes. Phlebectomy or numerous avulsions are terms used to describe this.

Frequently, vascular disease can be treated with lifestyle modifications such as: A healthy diet that helps reduce blood glucose or cholesterol, exercise, quitting smoking and stress management.

Is Vascular Surgery Secure?

All procedures include some danger, even if it's a little one. Therefore, it's crucial to weigh the dangers involved before deciding to have an operation. But keep in mind that a knowledgeable group of experts will carry out the treatment.

What do you need to do before the operation?

You can consume solid foods according to your normal diet up to 6 hours before the operation. You are allowed to drink clear liquids up to three hours prior to the procedure, such as water and apple juice, after which you will be instructed to stop all oral intake. This will let your stomach empty so that you won't throw up throughout the procedure.

On this day, you should take all of your regular medications as prescribed. Before the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to cease taking medications like Xarelto, warfarin, or other blood-thinning drugs.

On the morning before the treatment, refrain from applying moisturiser to your legs. Avoid shaving your legs the day before to reduce the chance of skin infections. Clippers will be used to shave the legs in preparation for the surgery.

How long will you be hospitalised?

The majority of patients are released that day. Once you are fully awake (or your legs have recovered their full power), not sick to your stomach, have eaten something, and have peed in the toilet, you can go home. You must be able to move around and have reasonable pain control.

Where Can You Find a Renowned Vascular Surgeon?

Try Cape Town Vascular Specialist Surgeons, their mission is to offer the best vascular therapeutic and diagnostic services.

They provide expertise in all facets of arterial and venous pathology under the direction of Drs. Martin Forlee and James Tunnicliffe. Drs. Martin Forlee and James Tunnicliffe, who specialise in vascular surgery, have experience addressing vascular disease using both traditional open surgery and minimally invasive arterial and venous endovascular procedures.

Contact Cape Town Vascular on +27 (0)21 203 3893 During Office Hours and on +27 (0)21 712 6699 After Office Hours

This article was first published at https://topclickblogs.co.za/vascular-surgery-all-you-need-to-know/