[Modern management of varicose veins]

Modern management of varicose veins Chronic venous disease is a common medical condition and occurs in about one-third of the adult population. Reflux, and to a much lesser extent obstruction of the superficial and deep venous systems, generates venous hypertension. The goal of the treatment is to reduce venous hypertension in order to prevent complications, progression of venous disease and to improve patients' quality of life. Today we have a wide spectrum of different treatment options at our disposal. Management is based upon accurate clinical diagnosis and duplex imaging. Operative saphenectomy has more or less been replaced by minimally invasive interventions. Thermal techniques like endovenous laser, radiofrequency and steam ablation are discussed, as well as non-thermal, non-tumescent chemical ablation techniques.