Doctor Nguyen Anh Dung, head of the Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at the Center for Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital HCMC, reported that Mr. Man's veins appeared as large clusters under the skin. The most dilated section measured 16 mm, nearly 8 times the normal size of about 2-3 mm. Prolonged standing and regular heavy labor can increase pressure in leg veins. Over time, weakened vein valves lead to blood stagnation, causing gradual vessel dilation and prominent, tortuous veins under the skin. This results in pain, leg heaviness, and swelling.

Doctors mark the location of varicose veins on the patient's leg to identify the damaged area for precise intervention. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The medical team opted for endovenous laser treatment combined with the Muller technique to thoroughly address the subcutaneous varicose vein clusters.

Doctor Dung explained that this minimally invasive procedure overcomes the limitations of traditional vein stripping, which requires long incisions and causes considerable pain. Endovenous laser therapy uses thermal energy to sclerose the veins from within. This is combined with 1-2 mm punctures from the Muller technique to remove the prominent, tortuous vein clusters. Patients experience minimal bleeding, no damage to surrounding tissues, and can walk and move normally shortly after the procedure.

Following the intervention, Mr. Man no longer experienced leg pain and was discharged after 12 hours.

The medical team uses laser to treat varicose veins for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Prolonged varicose veins can lead to complications such as: skin ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and other issues. Individuals who frequently stand or sit for long periods, pregnant women, those who are overweight or obese, or those with a family history of the condition should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like: leg heaviness, ankle swelling, pain, or nocturnal cramps.

Doctor Dung noted that in recent years, many overseas Vietnamese and foreigners have traveled to Vietnam for varicose vein treatment, drawn by modern interventional techniques and reasonable costs.

Bao Anh

*Patient's name has been changed