[Surgical management of varicose ulcers]

R Ston1, L Havlůj, M Ocadlík

  • 1Chirurgická klinika FNKV, Praha. robeek@seznam.cz

Insights

Chronic venous leg ulcers are common and costly. Surgical intervention, including vein stripping and ligation, effectively heals 95.5% of patients, resolving the underlying causes of venous leg ulcers.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Dermatology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Chronic venous leg ulcers represent a significant health burden in Europe.
  • Current treatments are often long-term, expensive, and may not resolve underlying pathology.
  • Surgical options offer a potential solution to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a surgical procedure for chronic venous leg ulcers.
  • To assess the healing rates and recurrence prevention associated with the surgical intervention.

Summary:

  • A surgical approach involving saphenous vein stripping/crossectomy and subfascial ligation of perforators was performed on 22 patients.
  • This two-phase operation addresses the root causes and consequences of venous leg ulcers.
  • A high healing rate of 95.5% (21 out of 22 patients) was achieved within a 3-year period.

Impact:

  • The surgical procedure significantly shortens therapy duration compared to conservative methods.
  • This intervention effectively prevents ulcer recurrence by resolving the etiological factors.
  • The findings suggest a cost-effective and highly successful treatment for chronic venous leg ulcers.

Related Concept Videos

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...