Varicose Veins Treatment in PCMC — EVLT Laser at Sharvari Hospital, Pimple Nilakh

Who does EVLT for PCMC patients?

Dr. Shrikant Ghanwat (MBBS, DNB (General Surgery)) is the vascular surgeon who performs EVLT and sclerotherapy at Sharvari Hospital, with expertise in varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and minimally invasive vascular procedures. Dr. Kundan Kharde (MBBS · MS (General Surgery), 19+ years, 6,000+ Surgeries) supports the service and leads the hospital. The plan is set from your duplex scan, not from a look at your legs. Results vary between patients.

Why do varicose veins happen — and when do they need treatment?

One-way valves in the leg veins fail, blood refluxes downwards and pools in the superficial veins, which stretch, twist and ache. The tendency is inherited; standing, sitting, pregnancy, weight and heavy lifting decide how fast it shows. NICE guideline CG168 sets the referral threshold clearly: symptomatic varicose veins (aching, heaviness, swelling, itching), skin changes such as pigmentation or eczema, superficial thrombophlebitis, or a healed or active venous ulcer all warrant assessment by a vascular service — not another year of “it is only cosmetic”.

The ones that must not wait: a hard, red, painful cord along a vein (superficial thrombophlebitis); an open ulcer near the ankle; bleeding from a vein — lie down, elevate, press firmly, then call; and whole-leg swelling with calf pain, which needs deep vein thrombosis excluded the same day.

What are the treatment options for varicose veins?

Duplex ultrasound first: maps which veins reflux, where the valve failure begins and whether the deep veins are healthy. No treatment is quoted before this scan.

EVLT (endovenous laser ablation): a laser fibre enters the refluxing vein through a needle puncture under ultrasound guidance and seals it from inside under local tumescent or spinal anaesthesia. Day-care; walking within hours. NICE CG168 recommends endothermal ablation as first-line for truncal reflux.

Foam sclerotherapy: for tributaries and veins too tortuous for a fibre; OPD; may need repeat sessions.

Phlebectomy: large visible tributaries removed through tiny stab incisions, usually in the same sitting as EVLT.

Compression and lifestyle: the right answer for mild disease, pregnancy and anyone not fit for or not wanting a procedure — it controls symptoms without closing the vein.

How do the varicose vein treatments compare?

What the duplex scan finds decides the row. Endothermal ablation (EVLT or radiofrequency) is NICE CG168’s first-line recommendation for confirmed truncal reflux; foam and surgery are the alternatives when it is unsuitable.

Typical ranges, not promises. Recovery depends on the veins treated, your job and compression compliance. Results vary between patients.

What does recovery look like after EVLT?

A typical course after day-care EVLT. Adding phlebectomy lengthens the bruising phase; foam alone is shorter.

Typical ranges, not promised timings. Sudden calf swelling, chest pain or breathlessness needs a same-day call. Results vary.

Why do PCMC patients come to Pimple Nilakh for EVLT?

Duplex and treatment on one campus: the scan, the decision and the procedure happen in the same building; no separate scan centre in Pimpri and a surgeon somewhere else.

A vascular surgeon does the procedure: not a general OPD offering laser on the basis of a look at your legs.

Day-care built for shift workers: morning admission, walking by lunchtime, home the same day; desk work in 2–3 days, standing work in about a week.

Ulcers and DVT handled here too: venous ulcer care and deep vein thrombosis are on the same vascular service — see DVT treatment.

How far is Sharvari Hospital from PCMC?

Between 7 and 10 km — 20 to 30 minutes from most of Pimpri-Chinchwad. From Pimpri Chowk: Kalewadi road → Kalewadi Phata → Rahatani Phata → Vishal Nagar → Sharvari Hospital, behind Gulmohor Park, Pimple Nilakh, Pune 411027. From Nigdi, Akurdi and Ravet: the Aundh–Ravet BRT road through Dange Chowk and Rahatani Phata. From Chinchwad: across the Pavana bridge into Thergaon, then Dange Chowk. PMPML buses on the Aundh–Ravet corridor stop at Rahatani Phata; PCMC and Sant Tukaram Nagar metro stations plus a cab also work. Parking is at the gate. Call +91 951 951 1928 for the last turn.

Shop-floor supervisor from Bhosari

"Twelve-hour standing shifts for fifteen years and a brown patch above the ankle that I ignored. The duplex scan showed exactly which vein had failed, the laser was done as day-care, and I was walking the same afternoon. The stockings were the annoying part, not the procedure."

What does EVLT cost for PCMC patients?

The estimate is itemised in writing after the duplex scan — it depends on whether one or both legs and one or two saphenous systems need treatment, and whether phlebectomy or foam is added. Cashless with 50+ insurers and TPAs; pre-authorisation starts in OPD once the scan documents reflux and symptoms. ESIC and corporate group policies from the PCMC industrial employers are common; some retail policies apply a waiting period to varicose veins — bring the document. EMI is available for co-pay.

Can varicose veins come back after EVLT?

The treated vein stays closed. What can happen over years is that other veins develop reflux, because the underlying valve weakness is constitutional. Accurate duplex mapping before treatment, treating every refluxing segment rather than only the visible veins, and wearing compression as advised all reduce it. Published figures vary by technique and follow-up length; you will be told plainly what your legs are likely to need over time. Results vary.