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vASCuLAR SuRgERy

Previously considered a By Dr D A le Roux,
Vascular Surgeon practising

field within general surgery, at Netcare Sunninghill
vascular surgery is now Hospital

considered a specialty

in its own right.

What are vascular
surgeons, and what
do they do? What are the common problems that a
Vascular surgeons specialise in managing vascular surgeon treats?
conditions that affect the blood vessels.

Their area of expertise is in performing varicose veins
operations to improve the circulation Varicose veins are twisted,
of blood around the body. Vascular enlarged veins that visibly

surgeons also treat renal failure patients bulge. Any superficial
that need access to dialysis. vein may become
varicosed, but the veins

Your body’s vascular system can be most commonly affected
categorised into two main parts: are those in your legs.
• Arterial: Taking oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. That’s because standing and walking increase
• Venous: Taking deoxygenated blood from the body back to the pressure in the veins of your lower body.
the heart.
For many people, varicose veins and spider veins
Risk factors for vascular disease (a common, mild variation of varicose veins) are simply
• Smoking a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins
• High blood pressure can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes,
• Diabetes varicose veins lead to more severe problems.
• High cholesterol
• A family history of vascular disease Treatment may involve self-care measures
• Gout. or procedures by your vascular surgeon to
repair, close off or remove affected veins.

how is vascular disease diagnosed?
• Examination Note that, thanks to advances in technology, the diagnosis
• Your vascular surgeon will examine your blood vessels, feel and treatment of varicose veins have improved with leaps
for pulses, check your blood pressure and look for evidence and bounds over the last few years. This condition should
of vascular disease. be treated by vascular surgeons who understand the

• Associated tests pathology, and the different treatment options available.
• Angiography, ultrasound, ankle-brachial indices. The same goes for the treatment of renal access cases.

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