‘Varicose veins more common than cataract in India’

‘Varicose veins more common than cataract in India’

- What are varicose veins and why does one get the condition?
Varicose Veins are twisted and bulgy veins that protrude on the surface of the skin. Spider veins are similar but less obvious. These blue and red tattoos like lines on the skin, as well as varicose veins, are commonly found in the legs and occur primarily due to enlarged and weakened vein walls and faulty valves. This can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, skin darkening and even open wounds on the legs called venous ulcers. The condition is hereditary or is caused by standing for a long time and being overweight. It is also seen commonly in women having two or more than two children.

- How can varicose veins affect the normal living of a person? And what can happen if the varicose veins are left undetected or untreated for?
Varicose veins can cause night calf cramps, swelling of legs,  heaviness of legs, skin darkening, bleeding from veins and open wounds on legs that take a long time to heal. Untreated varicose veins also increase the risk of developing clots in the veins called Deep Venous Thrombosis. There are different causes of varicose veins. The symptoms vary from patient to patient which can become worse and could become a serious life-threatening condition. If the varicose veins are left untreated, it results in excessive bleeding into the tissues of the leg. It is an extremely painful experience and the swelling and inflammation occur on the skin and it can become dark.

- What is the most affected age group and what is the scenario across India?
It is commonly seen in the age group between 25 to 65 years. Varicose vein is a common problem where people standing for a prolonged period of time like daily commuters using public transport, shopkeepers, travellers, teachers, traffic policemen, models, tailors, etc are more likely to get varicose veins. Some everyday habits that can lead to this are wearing high heels, high salt consumption, running for a longer time, obesity and crossing legs. Varicose veins are a common problem affecting the general population throughout the world. The problem is way more common than cataract in India. It is estimated that around 25 to 30 per cent of females and 10 to 15 per cent of males suffer from it. However, a majority of patients with varicose veins are unaware of it and the complications it can invite. It is usually misunderstood by a layman as a skin disorder during the initial stages. Hence, the proper treatment has not been addressed and it gradually keeps growing internally. 

- What are the new treatment modalities that have come up for varicose veins?
Open surgery called surgical stripping for varicose veins is still the most commonly performed varicose veins procedure in India. This, however, gives a scar, require anaesthesia and has a high recurrence rate. There were other modalities of treatment. However, the latest technology is ‘non-thermal non-tumescent non-sclerosant: Venaseal closure system’. This is an instant closure adhesive that closes the vein in 30 minutes as compared to others that take weeks. Venaseal does not require the patient to wear stockings post-procedure. The western world, especially Europe is moving towards early diagnosis of congenital weak vein valves is done in adolescents and performing a single injection valve reinforcement procedure called ‘Percutaneous Valvuloplasty’. This repairs the early stage valve damage and helps prevent full-blown varicose veins when the child becomes older. 
 
- Are there any recent studies going on regarding the same in India?
We at The Vein Center are developing newer techniques to effectively treat large dilated and tortuous varicosities without open surgery by a combination of glue and the sclerosing agent called Plug and Foam. Initial results are promising with complete resolution of large varicosities within weeks after the procedure. Another one is novel compression techniques that suit the Indian weather as wearing stockings for 6 months, 12 hours a day would be an arduous task and is a major cause of inconsistent outcomes. A breathable, stretchable, transparent membrane that is applied to the skin and remains there for two weeks. This technique is giving promising early results and is being adapted for Indian weather. We are also studying the effectiveness of Valve Repair in Indian Adolescents, as social, economic and environmental factors are much different than Europe, this study will shed light on the feasibility of the early intervention.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com