Care for postthrombotic syndrome
In advanced stages of the postthrombotic syndrome it is very important to ensure that as few injuries as possible occur and that even small injuries are properly treated to prevent the formation of ulcers, since even the smallest scratching injury can cause ulcers to develop. Therefore also such small injuries require careful care. For example, the application of antiseptic iodine ointment may be necessary to prevent infection.
Since there is a high risk of venous ulcers reappearing, in addition to sufficient exercise to promote the drainage of congested blood, attention should also be paid to proper skin care. Even if compression bandages or stockings are worn, proper skin care is very important. Care products that moisturize and maintain or restore the oil film on the skin should be used.
They should also be pH-neutral to preserve the skin’s natural acid mantle. Creams that moisturize and bind moisture contain, for example, urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Creams with almond oil, jojoba oil or beeswax should be used to support the greasy film on the skin. Since the skin reacts more sensitively to care products in postthrombotic syndrome, low-allergy, gentle products should be used. An acute ulcer should be treated by qualified personnel.
Surgery for postthrombotic syndrome
Whether and which operation is carried out depends on the cause of the thrombosis and the stage it has reached. In order to improve blood circulation in the extremities, varicose vein surgery can be performed while the larger veins (truncal varicosis) are still forming. In this procedure the veins are removed by laser and the blood circulation is improved.
In stage I, the so-called perforating veins, which form a connection between superficial and deep leg veins, can be closed. Of course, only insufficient perforating veins are removed. If tissue changes and hardening or wound healing disorders have already occurred, blood circulation and thus skin care can be improved by so-called non-selective subfascial perforator dissection or endoscopic perforator dissection.
Both are procedures in which the damaged veins are severed. It is also possible to transplant vascular grafts or vein segments with functioning valves. These surgical procedures are only used in special cases. A relatively new and modern procedure is the implantation of a stent into the large deep veins. Since this procedure is still new, long-term results are not yet known.
