Venous Ulcer Surgery in Bangalore

Venous leg ulcers can cause significant discomfort for patients, leading to dissatisfaction with treatment, decreased mobility, and poor sleep quality. Compression bandaging is a widely used treatment option that can effectively address these symptoms, improve the appearance of ulcers, and enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.

What is Venous Ulcer?

An ulcer on the leg caused by venous blood flow is chronic (long-lasting) and takes longer than two weeks to heal. Usually, they start to form slightly above the ankle on the inside of the leg. In addition to pain, swelling, and itching in the afflicted leg, venous leg ulcers can also cause anaemia. Leg ulcers may cause skin discoloration and hardening around the affected area, along with a foul discharge. It is essential to consult a doctor promptly if you suspect a leg ulcer, as it requires specialized care for proper healing.

Treatment of Venous Ulcer at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka

The majority of venous leg ulcers heal in 3 to 4 months with proper care. Compression treatment for leg ulcers should only ever be administered by skilled professionals.

Compression Therapy – Before the Procedure

Before applying therapeutic compression bandaging, the doctor conducts a compressive evaluation of the patient, including questions about the patient’s lifestyle, comorbidities, mobility, skin condition, and artery health using a Doppler ultrasound. Neglecting this evaluation may result in missed concerns, leading to non-compliance with the recommended course of action.

During the Procedure

To treat the injured limb and promote vein health, your doctor may apply a tightly-wrapped compression bandage to the affected area. These wraps are designed to reduce edema by squeezing the legs and encouraging the heart to pump blood higher. Venous leg ulcers can be treated using various bandages or elastic stockings, often with 2, 3, or 4 layers. It’s important to note that applying a compression bandage requires skill and should only be done by qualified healthcare professionals.

Depending on how swollen the leg is at the beginning of therapy, the bandage is often changed once every week or twice every week. An ulcer may hurt when compression bandages are first put on it. As soon as the ulcer begins to heal, the discomfort will significantly reduce. It could take up to ten or twelve days. Your doctor might prescribe paracetamol or another type of pain reliever to help manage the pain.

Aftercare of Compression Bandage

It’s crucial to apply your compression bandage precisely as directed. Instead of attempting to remove it yourself if you experience any issues, it is advisable to speak with your doctor. While lying in bed at night, the compression bandage might feel too tight and uncomfortable. If so, getting up and taking a little stroll is usually beneficial.

Rarely, you might have to remove the bandage if:

• You get excruciating pain in your front ankle.
• You have a lot of discomfort in your toes or the top of your foot.
• You develop blue and swollen toes.

Looking after yourself after Compression Therapy

• Make an effort to keep active by taking frequent walks. Leg ulcers and edoema from venous blood flow might get worse when you sit or stand stationary without moving your legs.
• Keep your afflicted leg raised while you’re lying down or sitting.
• Move your feet up and down and in a circle with your ankles to regularly work out your legs. The improvement of circulation may be encouraged by this.
• Try to shed some weight if you are overweight by eating a nutritious diet and exercising frequently.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption, and quit smoking. The ulcer may recover more quickly as a result.
• Try to manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Get enough rest at night.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and take care not to injure your injured leg.
• To have your dressings and compression bandages changed, you should see your doctor once per week. They will also examine the ulcer to assess how well it is healing.

Following the healing of the ulcer

You still need to take care of the region after your ulcer has healed. You don’t want your ulcer to come back. Here are a few ways to stop the ulcer from coming back:

• Moisturizing every day and checking the skin.
• Compression stockings should be worn. With time, these support stockings will start to stretch. As a result, you must change them every three to six months to maintain the proper compression level.
• Whenever possible, avoid sitting too close to a heat source or fire. It’s important to prevent your skin from coming into contact with extreme temperatures.
• Be careful and try not to hurt your legs.
• Keep daily checks of your feet and legs, paying attention to the tops, bottoms, heels, and ankles. Observe your skin for any cracks or colour changes as well.

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, has a team of experienced specialists who are trained to diagnose and manage vascular problems. They offer a range of non-invasive tests like MRI and angiography and provide comprehensive patient care, including screening, medication, and risk management. Apollo ensures that patients receive the best medical care and support from healthcare professionals to help them get their lives back on track.