Tratamiento de las Varices en el Clínic

Varicose veins are a benign condition, although highly prevalent and capable of causing significant discomfort to those who suffer from them. At the Hospital Clínic, each case is assessed individually by qualified specialists to determine its severity and importance; before offering various treatment options, including both pharmacological and lifestyle modifications, as well as surgery, if necessary.

A clinical evaluation is performed in our outpatient clinics. Here, the patient's symptoms and degree of severity are assessed.

A Doppler ultrasound scan is performed to assess the origin of the varicose veins and subsequently plan the best individual strategy for each patient.

Currently, the Hospital Clínic offers various approaches:

• Medical. Recommendations are given for improving certain habits. The use of special compression stockings is recommended, after previously ruling out any contraindications to their use.
• Pharmacological treatment, if necessary.
• Surgical treatment. If required, individualised surgical treatment can be given, depending on the anatomy of the varicose vein and the comorbidities and risks for each patient. 

The techniques currently being developed are:

• Radiofrequency (using a catheter that emits heat).
• Mechanochemical ablation (use of catheters to erode the inner part of the blood vessel at the same time foam is released).
• Foam (use of a device that produces a standard foam from a sclerosant liquid, to inflame and close the varicose veins).
• CHIVA (closure of the reflex point or source of the problem via surgery).
• Phlebectomy (small incisions to remove the varicose vein).

All these techniques are performed in an operating room under local anaesthesia and sedation, allowing the patient to recover quickly and be discharged from the hospital and go home the same day.