Absolutely not. There are many physicians who routinely prescribe diuretic pills for varicose veins. This is quite frankly medical malpractice and is based on ignorance/stupidity on part of the physician. Diuretics have never been approved for varicose veins and how this idea started is a mystery.
With varicose veins, the swelling is mild and is more due to blood pooling in superficial veins in one leg. There is no generalized fluid retention like that seen in congestive heart failure and thus, diuretics do not work. By elevating the leg and using compression garments, one can quickly remedy the swelling which occurs with varicose veins.
Diuretics can induce dehydration, cause a number of significant electrolyte changes in the body, plus one has to take them for life. all patients who take diuretics need routine blood work to ensure that their electrolytes are within normal. So next time your MD gives you a prescription of a diuretic for varicose veins, see a lawyer next.
Showing posts with label veins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veins. Show all posts
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Varicose veins & treatments Part 2
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a novel procedure that removes varicose veins in the thigh area. The procedure is done as an outpatient. The leg is cleaned and a small needle is placed in the lower thigh area where the varicose vein is located. Using ultrasound, a small laser probe is passed into the varicose vein up to the groin. The laser is switched on and gently pulled. The heat from laser burns the veins and within 20 minutes, the procedure is done.
This procedure does not treat varicose veins in the lower leg and is also expensive.
Many other procedures have been developed along the same lines. EVLT is probably the most abused procedure by surgeons. Even individuals who do not have symptoms or have very small varicose veins are treated this way. One has to understand that this same vein is often used for open-heart surgery or other bypass procedures. Despite the massive marketing behind this technique, one should be aware that a normal or mildly diseased varicose vein should never be removed. You never know if you may need the vein in future for heart surgery. The treatment of mild varicose veins is never surgery.
Closure procedure: The closure procedure is the same as EVLT except that it uses radiofrequency waves instead of a laser to generate heat.
Both EVLT and the closure procedure are considered cosmetic surgery. Both procedures have the potential to cause burns, scars, and damage to surrounding tissue. Recurrences are also very high with these two procedures,
Trivex procedure: Not to be outdone by EVLT and closure, now we also have TriVex. This simple procedure which requires anesthesia, uses a camera to identify the vein. Through a small skin incision, a thin camera on a wire is introduced and using special hook and clips, the vein is either cut or removed. Trivex requires multiple small incisions. The only difference here compared to ambulatory phlebotomy is that a camera is used.
Because of the lure of quick money, many physicians recommend Trivex and remove normal veins or veins with minimal varicosities.
This procedure does not treat varicose veins in the lower leg and is also expensive.
Many other procedures have been developed along the same lines. EVLT is probably the most abused procedure by surgeons. Even individuals who do not have symptoms or have very small varicose veins are treated this way. One has to understand that this same vein is often used for open-heart surgery or other bypass procedures. Despite the massive marketing behind this technique, one should be aware that a normal or mildly diseased varicose vein should never be removed. You never know if you may need the vein in future for heart surgery. The treatment of mild varicose veins is never surgery.
Closure procedure: The closure procedure is the same as EVLT except that it uses radiofrequency waves instead of a laser to generate heat.
Both EVLT and the closure procedure are considered cosmetic surgery. Both procedures have the potential to cause burns, scars, and damage to surrounding tissue. Recurrences are also very high with these two procedures,
Trivex procedure: Not to be outdone by EVLT and closure, now we also have TriVex. This simple procedure which requires anesthesia, uses a camera to identify the vein. Through a small skin incision, a thin camera on a wire is introduced and using special hook and clips, the vein is either cut or removed. Trivex requires multiple small incisions. The only difference here compared to ambulatory phlebotomy is that a camera is used.
Because of the lure of quick money, many physicians recommend Trivex and remove normal veins or veins with minimal varicosities.
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