Varicose vein treatments may not be available on the NHS
With warmer weather on its way, many of us are looking forward
to swapping our winter layers for shorter summer clothes, and even
getting into shape for the beach. But many people may dread baring
their legs in summer because of a very common problem – varicose
veins.
Approximately 30% of women and 15% of men develop varicose veins
in their lifetime, and while the condition can be unsightly, it
does not usually pose any serious health problems. However because
of this, varicose veins are no longer routinely treated on the
NHS.
Mr Christopher Backhouse, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Oaks
Hospital in Colchester, comments: “Removal of varicose veins used
to be a fairly standard treatment available on the NHS, but
unfortunately this is no longer the case, and I think a lot of
people don’t realise this. For most people who want their varicose
veins treated for minor symptoms or cosmetic reasons, the only
option is to be treated privately. However this does open up a lot
more options to the patient than the NHS can offer.”
For those who wish to get their varicose veins treated
privately, there are a number of different options, depending on
the severity of the case.
Mr Backhouse explains: “The surgical method usually involves a
procedure to strip the non-functional vein from the affected area.
In contrast, the non-surgical method usually involves an injection
of special fluid to close the vein down. Alternatively there is a
less invasive keyhole treatment available through a growing number
of private hospitals, called Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®).
This treatment can be performed under local anaesthetic on a
walk-in, walk-out basis, and results in less pain, less bruising
and a faster return to normal activities than traditional vein
stripping surgery.
Mr Backhouse continues: “With so many options available, my
advice is to speak to an expert who can assess your condition
thoroughly and discuss the best solution for you - both clinically
and financially.”