[Leg ulcer--ambulatory treatment and results]

The results of ambulatory treatment in 85 patients with leg ulcers are presented. 59 were females (mean age 66 years) and 26 males (mean age 58 years). 50% were recurrent ulcers, of which 40% had been treated previously. Under local application of zinc ointment for the ulcer, cortisone ointment for the surrounding eczema, compression bandages and injection sclerotherapy for ulcer supporting varices. 78% of all ulcers healed and 14% were improved or nearly healed. We can therefore assume a healing rate of 92%. The majority of ulcers healed within 2 months of starting continuous treatment and 12% required more than 3 months. In 5 patients (6%) the ulcers did not heal and deteriorated under ambulatory treatment, while 2 (2.5%) remained unchanged. Among these 7 patients 4 had concomitant arterial occlusive diseases and 3 were very elderly patients with an extensive postphlebitic state who could not be treated on an ambulatory basis because of lack of mobility. 96% of the 75 venous ulcers healed completely under ambulatory treatment. We concluded that ambulatory care of leg ulcer, including compression bandages and injection sclerotherapy, is effective in the great majority of cases. Concomitant arterial occlusive disease and immobility of elderly patients may prevent successful local therapy.