[Treatment of intractable venous ulcer]

Before describing the various treatments of these ulcers, the author discusses their etiological process. He emphasizes that superficial venous insufficiency is the result of a deep venous insufficiency which alters and deteriorate the cellular metabolism. In fact, the chronic hypertension is transmitted to the capillary network, often with irreversible consequences. The author analyzes the healing process: inflammatory phase followed after 2 weeks by the appearance of fibroblasts, wound contraction and epithelialization. The third phase, so-called stabilization phase, lasts between 6 and 12 months. The treatment varies according to the etiology. It is mostly a matter of experience in order to avoid allergenic treatments.