Treatment for varicose veins begins in RAK

According to a senior official here, the Vascular Surgery Department of Saqr Hospital received more than 320 patients with varicose legs from across the country, and carried out some 108 varicose operations.

Paying a tribute to the Commercial Bank International for donating the Dh58,000 device, known as VNUS, Dr Yasser Essa Al Nuaimi, Director of RAK Medical Zone, said the bank had earlier donated another ultrasound apparatus to the RAK Medical Centre.

“Varicose veins are most often swollen, gnarled veins that most frequently occur in the legs, ankles and feet. They are produced by a condition known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux, in which blood circulating through the lower limbs does not properly return to the heart but instead pools up in the distended veins,” he explained.

The symptoms can include pain and fatigue in the legs, swollen ankles and calves, burning or itching skin, skin discolouration and leg ulcers. In less severe cases, thin, discoloured vessels – ‘spider veins’ – may be the only symptom.

While gender and age are two primary risk factors in the development of venous reflux, a significant number of men and women normally experience varicose veins symptoms by the time they reach their sixties.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com