Probably Myth : This is again very confusing : distinguishing between it as casual or a contributing factor. Standing does not cause varicose veins per se, but hastens the deterioration of malfunctioning valves and thus the development of varicose veins. Since most valves fail at a young age, standing still for long periods will create a greater likelihood of developing varicose veins in a group who already have defective valves.
Probably not true. This is considered as women are generally better than men at having regular checkups; they are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. However, in Edinburgh, UK community study 1998, it was found that slightly more men than women had varicose veins.
Although this study does not in itself necessarily disprove that more women are affected by varicose veins, it does cast some doubt on it. Further not much work has been done into this area.
It is more likely to happen to you if your parents or other relatives had them. That is why it is best to take preventative measures now before they make their unwelcome appearance.
Wrong. Varicose veins are a sign that the valve in the vein is not working properly.
Naturally, if the valves are not working properly then the effect will be varicosities and their accompanying problems (leg aching / eczema / lipodermatosclersis / cellulitis / thrombosis / venous ulcer, etc.)
Intervention to eliminate varicose veins should be performed in symptomatic patients and early in patients who have developed skin changes.
Not right. Although this is bad advice - contrary to current research and illogical - this advice is still given by many doctors and nurses today. Since pregnancy does not cause but exacerbates the problem, the sooner the veins are fixed, the less damage will be done to the legs and the easier the treatment will be. So if you have persistent varicose veins aftr 6-8 weeks of the delivery then it is advisable to undergo the treatment before going for the second child.
It's true. It also seems that more relatives are affected by varicose veins, the more likely they will develop the condition as well. We have seen a family where all female members including grand-mother, mother and four daughters had varicose veins. Most of the time the cause of varicose vein occurence is not known.
Myth : Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of varicose veins can ensure that at least some of them do not return.
Besides, varicose veins treatment is sometimes necessary, whether there is neovascularsation or not, simply because they symptoms are unacceptable or unbearable for many people.
Most of the pain related to varicose veins like heaviness, swelling disappear after the treatment. But some patients have pain related to the back which will require local treatment in form of gel, hot fermentation & physiotherapy.
There are several packages in accordance with the type of procedure to be done depending on which valves are malfunctional & also what is the mode of treatment you require in form of laser, radiofrequency or foam closure of the veins.
Procedure normally takes around 20 minutes for one leg and around 1 hour for both legs. You are discharged around 10 minutes after the procedure.
More than 99% of the patients tolerate local anaesthesia very well.
You will have little pain during the procedure equivalent to bee sting. There will be 3-4 small needle pricks to introduce anaesthesia and most of the patients can tolerate it very well.
No admission is required for this procedure.
You can go home immediately after the procedure walking on your legs and can do most of your locally routine activities by evening.
2-4 weeks
Couple of pain killers for 3-5 days.
After 4-6 weeks.
You can play golf from next day.
Immediate after surgery.
If possible after 2 weeks just to look for any possible residual veins for minor treatment in OPD.
No
3-5% chances of reoccurence.
Piles or haemmorhoids is a common anal condition. It consits of some prominent anal vessels and the tissue (mucosa), which covers it.
Though a single cause is not known, this is the price we human beings have to pay for our 2 legged upright posture which causes a great deal of force on the rectal veins. Some contributory factors are ageing, chronic constipation / diarrhea, heredity, pregnancy, spending long times in the toilet (reading), straining at stools etc.
Not at all. In fact it is one of the commonest conditions to affect humans. It is thought that approximately 50 to 70% or more of the population have piles. However, all of them do not require treatment and it doesnot become a disease till it produces symptoms.
It can cause bleeding during passage of motion and a swelling, which comes out from the back passage during defecation. As times goes on this swelling may become larger and larger and remain outside all the time. This can be very distressing and itching may also be a symptom.
Usually not. In fact such pain would call the attention of your doctor to look for some other anal ailment. However, when the piles become large enough to remain outside all the time it may cause fairly severe discomfort and pain which is usually persistent and not just during defecation.
The doctors decide to go for laser treatment as per the condition. Injections, banding and IRC work well only for early e.g. Grade I or Grade II piles when open surgery and stapled haemorrhoidectomy would be ideal for Grade III or Grade IV piles.
No pills and creams that can cure piles exist.
Piles, as such is not a serious condition, despite the alarming blood loss that it can sometimes cause. However, long neglected piles can be the source of repeated blood loss, which can lead to severe anaemia that can be serious.
Another danger is attributing the symptoms of blood loss and irregular bowel habits to piles. Many patients resort to herbal medicines and proprietary creams for such symptoms. This is not to be recommended as these symptoms could be the result of serious underlying diseases like cancer of the rectum which if not treated early can have disastroud consequences.
No, piles cannot turn cancerous. However as mentioned above, if proper clinical examination is not performed by a qualified medical practitioner early enough, cancers of the anus and rectum could easily be missed.
No, your constipation is not due to piles. The reverse could be true i.e. longstanding constipation can lead to piles. In fact no bowel symptoms could be attributed to piles.
