[Indications for surgical treatment of acute superficial thrombophlebitis]

The acute superficial thrombophlebitis (AST) which may be considered as an "aseptic local inflammatory reaction to vein thrombosis" is a very common disease. The diagnosis of this illness is simple, and usually consists of anamnesis and physical examination. This is due to the fact that typical external signs of inflammation are always present. In such cases the conservative treatment was usually recommended and it included rest, elevation, alcoholic compresses, antipyretic and analgetic drugs. The operative treatment was carried out only if the process developed near the deep vein system, or if a suppurative inflammation was present. We believe that wider indications for operative treatment should be considered. We base this statement on the following facts: the operative finding always shows that the process is greater than we suppose after physical examination, and the operation is easier to perform before scar tissue has been formed at sites of inflammation. The following indications are considered for conservative treatment: AST of the upper limbs; AST of the lower limbs where the great saphaenous vein is not included; AST of the lower limbs including the great saphaenous vain on the level above the knee; Suppurative forms of AST. We plead for one act operation which shortens the time of hospitalisation and includes: Crosseectomia; Ligature, resection and extirpatin of the great saphaenous vein (Vasalve).