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Venous reflux in symptom-free vascular surgeons
N Labropoulos1, K T Delis, A N Nicolaides
1Academic Surgical and Vascular Unit, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Symptom-free vascular surgeons show higher rates of venous reflux compared to controls, particularly in superficial veins. Prolonged standing may contribute to this increased prevalence of venous incompetence.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Occupation and work posture are debated factors in venous disease development.
- Vascular surgeons, often assumed to have prolonged standing occupations, provide a unique study group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and distribution of venous reflux in symptom-free vascular surgeons versus symptom-free volunteers.
- To investigate the role of occupation in the development of venous insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing 28 vascular surgeons with 25 healthy volunteers (matched for age and sex).
- Color-flow duplex imaging used to assess lower limb venous systems.
- Exclusion of subjects with prior venous disease, thrombosis, or interventions.
Main Results:
- Venous reflux was significantly more frequent in vascular surgeons (52%) than controls (32%) (p=0.039).
- Superficial venous reflux was more common in surgeons (45%) versus controls (26%) (p=0.047).
- Below-knee long saphenous vein reflux was the predominant form of superficial venous incompetence in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Symptom-free vascular surgeons exhibit a higher incidence of venous reflux than the general population.
- The superficial venous system is the primary site of incompetence in both studied groups.
- Occupational factors, such as prolonged standing, may predispose individuals to venous reflux.