St. Thomas Institute of Research on Venous Diseases

St. Thomas Institute of Research on Venous Diseases, is an exclusive Centre offering modern treatment for diseases associated with the venous system, working in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for  Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. We are engaged in advanced research and studies at par with international standards to impart better knowledge in the field of Phlebology (Venous Studies), whereby we can offer better services to the suffering fellowmen by improving the quality of life.

 

About the Treatment

The commonly used procedures for the treatment of varicose veins are grouped into two. The first one is open surgical techniques like Trendelenburg’s operation combined with vein stripping or multiple ligation/excision of superficial veins. The second group is generally called “minimally invasive procedures” as they help to avoid very long hospital stay and the unsightly scars. Patients can have normal activities and go to work early. It helps to reduce the pain of surgery, cost of surgery and loss of family income.   Sclerotherapy is used as the procedure for ablation of veins by using a chemical solution.Unlike conventional Microfoam Sclerotherapy (MFST), we make it more physiologically acceptable bymodifying the technique of the procedurefor the benefit of patient; better clinical outcome and speedy recovery. The chemical solution is agitated to make Microfoam,and is administered into the veins at selected points. The inner lining of the veins due to chemical burn gets sclerosed and scarred with fibrosis and the vein lumen gets obliterated. In our procedure selection of the site and size of the veins are totally different from the conventional or classical sclerotherapeutic technique and hence called Modified Microfoam Sclerotherapy or more precisely termed a “Chemical Bombing”.   A very detailed physical examination and investigations relating to all systems of the body are done before subjecting the patient for the procedure, irrespective of whether it is already existing, co-existing or unknown to the patient.

Working Days

Out Patient Clinic:

Tuesday, Wednesday & Fridays (Patients should report before 8.00 AM) Theater days:  Mondays & Thursdays  

1. Please remember that as detailed clinical examination take time, you may have to wait for consultation and finish off other tests/procedure.
2. It is better to have acompanion with the patient.
3. The cost of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, other essential tests/ investigations, consultation, room rent etc. Ours is the least expensive and most effective mode of treatment, when compared to any other treatment modalities.
4. Those eligible for reimbursement of treatment expenses by different scheme/agency should inform the hospital sufficiently in advance. Late reporting may create inconveniences.
5. In the out-patient clinic, patients are categorized into two groups; new patients and review patients. They will be seen in two different sessions strictly according to the priority of token number.
6. Please find time to read and understand the details given in the instruction leaflets issued at different levels of treatment. This will help you for a speedy recovery and wellness.
7. In order to help you understand all about your disease, the procedure and post-procedure care, there is a detailed video session in which every patient (and relatives) should partake. This is a disease awareness class which will not only help you but also the community as well.

PROCEDURE The patient is instructed to get admitted at least one day earlier, to complete all the tests prior to the procedure. In very advanced stages of the disease, especially with swelling of the leg and infections, patient would be advised admission in hospital a few days earlier for proper evaluation and preparation.   After the procedure, most of the patients can return home on the same day. But, in rare cases with advanced stage of the disease, patients would be required to stay for one or more days.    

PLEASE DO REMEMBER

1. Effect Of Sclerotherapy: The literal meaning of the word ‘Sclerosis’ is hardening. In Sclerotherapy, the surgeon is producing a chemical burn on the inner lining of the vein to produce subsequent scarring inside the vein. The chemical burn produces swelling of the vein wall and this is followed by slow fibrosis and obliteration of vein lumen. Hence the vein becomes swollen and hard after the procedure. Over a period of time, it may be weeks or months, the vein disappears depending on its size; the smaller ones first and the larger ones last.
2. Protect The Leg From Swelling: Please help the leg in the process of recovery by keeping it elevated to facilitate gravitational drainage by keeping the heel elevated above the level of umbilicus with the knee fully extended all the time while you are awake and not while sleeping. You may keep your leg as you like, for your comfort, while you sleep at night to have a nice sleep.
3. . Periodic Review: Just by one sitting it may not be sometimes possible to clear off all the varicose veins. It may require multiple sittings. There is a limit for the quantity of Sclerosant that can be administered. Sometimes the veins can regenerate just like weeds. This has to be periodically inspected and if found necessary, weeded out by repeated procedures. So the follow up after the procedure is very important. A review schedule for a period of six years is worked out and given to all the patients at the time of discharge. This will help to bring the disease under complete control.

Please feel free to contact the hospital or the doctors in case of any absolute necessity or any further clarifications.

Phone: + 8943353603, 0481-2722100