It can be seen as narrowing and occlusion of the leg arteries and the most common cause is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If the patient's walking distance is less than 50 meters, there is severe atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries and surgical intervention called peripheral bypass should be recommended.
What are the Symptoms of Leg Vascular Disease?
Most common; It appears as cramp-like pain in the calf, thigh and hip with walking, climbing stairs and running. This pain goes away with rest for a while. Over time, the walking distance begins to shorten, and after a while, pain begins when resting. In the next stage of this, non-healing wounds and gangrene will appear on the toes. If this condition is not treated, it will result in the loss of the relevant foot or leg (amputation) at various levels.
What is the Diagnosis Method of Leg Vascular Disease?
In such patients, first of all, the patient's complaints should be listened to in detail. Afterwards, the pulses of the arteries in the leg should be examined. Imaging methods are used when necessary.
Color Doppler ultrasonography, MR or CT angiography or classical conventional angiography are among the most common imaging methods used. results can be obtained. In these methods, it is sufficient for the patient to enter the MR or tomography device for a short time of 15-20 minutes. As in classical angiography, there is no need to enter the groin with a needle, the imaging drug is administered through the arm vein and spreads throughout the body.
The images obtained in the computer environment of the desired region are converted into angiography. With this imaging method, the type of treatment is decided.
What is the Treatment Method of Leg Vascular Disease?
Medical treatment, endovascular method or open surgery can be applied according to the leg vascular disease.
Leg Drug Treatment of Vascular Disease
Some of the patients can be followed up at certain intervals under medical treatment (drug treatment). Risk factors should be eliminated in this patient group;
- Smoking should be stopped,
- Cholesterol values are high Cholesterol values should be reduced to normal levels with sex diet and medications (statins),
- Overweight patients should lose weight,
- Blood sugar regulation should be adjusted in diabetics.
- Patients are under medication. they are directed to regular exercise.
Treatment of Leg Vascular Disease with Endovascular Method
Stenosis in the leg arteries or occlusions in a short area can be treated with endovascular method (with balloon or stents directed through the vein).
In this method, a needle is inserted into the artery through the groin. General anesthesia is not required, only the area where the needle is inserted is anesthetized with local anesthesia. Angiography is performed to determine the location and length of the stenosis or obstruction. Then, stenosis or obstruction is opened with special balloons or stents (metal tubes placed in the vein) in suitable patients. It can also be applied in the treatment of stenosis and obstruction.
It is sufficient for the patient to stay in the hospital for one day. The patient can return to work 2-3 days after discharge.
Treatment of Leg Vascular Disease with By-Pass (Bridging)
By-pass (bridging) if the leg vessel disease has involved a longer segment or if there are obstructions that cannot be opened by endovascular methods. surgery is required. These surgeries can be performed with spinal or epidural anesthesia (anesthetizing from the waist down). Therefore, patients with serious heart and lung diseases can easily undergo surgery without facing the risk of general anesthesia.
In these surgeries, depending on the patient, the artificial vein or the patient's own vein is used for by-pass. The aim is to create a new blood flow path and to bring sufficient blood flow to the tissues beyond the obstruction. After these surgeries, the patient must stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. The patient can return to work 10-15 days after discharge.
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