Dr Pieter Swart

Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin, as well.  Spider veins occur when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. They tend to become more numerous with age, and are common among people over 30 and in pregnant women.  The most common treatment for venous insufficiency is prescription compression stockings. These special elastic stockings apply pressure at the ankle and lower leg. They help improve blood flow and can reduce leg swelling.  Your doctor or nurse may give you medicine to treat the symptoms of varicose veins, including swelling, pain, and treatment involves compression stockings, exercise or procedures to close or remove the veins.  Other nonsurgical treatments for varicose veins and spider veins include Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.  Other forms of varicose vein treatments include Laser treatment, Catheter-assisted procedures using radio frequency or laser energy, High ligation, Ambulatory phlebectomy and vein stripping and Endoscopic vein surgery to name but a few.

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We have a fully equipped, state of the art, in-rooms unit and recovery area, where venous ablasions are performed.  Dr Swart is assisted by his full time Anaesthetist Dr Alta Marais and his technician during all of these procedures.  Dr Swart has successfully carried out many procedures in this Unit since it's inception in October 2019.

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Making use of our in rooms procedures eliminates the need for a lengthy and unnecessary hospital stay, and makes the process easier for the patient to be sedated within the in-room setting and makes it possible to return home shortly after the procedure.  We have an easy payment system for your convenience to make co-payments for the in rooms procedures.

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Why would I need surgery?

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It makes sense to have medical treatment for varicose veins if:

• general measures don't relieve the symptoms enough,

• complications such as venous leg ulcers occur, or

• the person finds the appearance of their varicose veins very upsetting.

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What does the surgery involve?

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Surgery can very effectively relieve varicose vein symptoms in more than 80% of people who have varicose vein surgery, it improves symptoms like pain, swelling and itching or makes them go away completely, and their legs look better afterwards.

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What can I expect after my surgery?

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Most surgical approaches can lead to pain, wound infections, bleeding, swelling, scarring and discoloration of the skin. About 15% of people who have varicose vein surgery experience one of these side effects. Serious complications such as thrombosis or nerve damage are very rare.  It is usually possible to leave hospital on the same day as having varicose vein surgery, however it can take quite a while for the swelling to go down and the wounds to heal. You may have to wait up to three weeks before you can go back to work.  Dr Swart will discuss the best options available in order for you to make an informed decision.

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