Vein Doctor | Specialist Treatment of Varicose Veins

treatment of Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, dilated, tortuous blood vessels. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

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Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, tortuous, bulging blood vessels that are usually the result of underlying venous reflux disease. Varicose veins can be treated with radio-frequency ablation (RFA), Venaseal™, foam sclerotherapy and micro-phlebectomy.

Venous Ulcers

Venous Ulcers are the most severe manifestation of chronic venous reflux disease. Venous ulcers are treated by a combination of compression dressings, RFA and comprehensive wound care. Dr Steyn makes use of the services of a number of wound care sisters for the treatment of venous ulcers.

The Treatment

Endovenous Radio Frequency Ablation (EVRF)

The mainstay of our practice is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Radio-frequency ablation is a minimally invasive out-patient procedure, performed under local anaesthetic with ultrasound-guidance. The diseased vein is treated by passing a thin catheter up the vein. Local anaesthetic solution is placed around the vein with a thin needle. The vein is then ablated (closed off) in segments by the application of heat energy. Venous ulcers are treated by combining surgical treatment and wound care in collaboration with experienced wound care sisters.

Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

Vein Care

Please arrange for transport as a mild sedative will be administered before the procedure and driving is prohibited 12 hours after procedure.
A sedative tablet will be provided before the procedure.
Take a light meal not later than 2 hours prior to procedure.
Dress: Gown is provided. Please wear bikini/speedo style underwear to ease access to the groin area with ultrasound probe.

Arrive at our rooms 15-20 min prior to procedure to register and take sedative tablet.
Change into gown, keep underwear and shirt on. A quick ultrasound reassessment is done.
Cleaning and draping of procedure area. Procedure commences and takes about an hour.
Leg is wrapped with a bandage.

Keep bandage on for 72 hours, unless advised differently by surgeon.
Remove small dressing at puncture area after 3 days.
Do not submerged the leg in water (bath or swim) for 1 week. Rather shower.
Walk 30 minutes every day. Avoid vigorous exercise (running, cycling, gym etc) for 1 week.
If you plan on flying/travelling long distance within 2 months, please inform the surgeon prior to procedure.
Driving is permitted 12 hours after procedure on own discretion. Bruising, soreness and tightness is normal for 2-3 weeks after procedure.
Follow up appointment after 8 weeks (time to best results). Earlier appointments as arranged or required.

Before & After

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About DR Francois Steyn

Dr Steyn graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Pretoria in 2004 and as a General Surgeon from the University of Pretoria in 2011. Dr Steyn is a surgeon in private practice at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital since 2012.

Contact us

Suite M17 Netcare Pretoria East Hospital
CO Netcare & Garsfontein Road
Moreleta Park, 0044
Tel: +27 12 993 4161/0911
E-mail: francois@surgeon.co.za