[Role of phlebography in the study of recurrent leg varices]

In the last four years, 668 phlebographies of the lower limbs were performed in patients affected with varices. Recurrences were detected in 239 patients. Different phlebographic approaches were used, including ascending phlebography of the popliteal and femoral veins and varicography. Specific indications to different techniques are discussed and possible causes of recurrence are analyzed. In patients with recurrent varices, atypical venous drains were often observed, whose involvement could not be detected by either clinical examination or noninvasive instrumental evaluation. Therefore, phlebography represents a reliable and sensitive technique to recognize recurrent varices.