[Treatment of superficial varicose phlebitis]

The usual physical activity of the patient must be preserved when treating phlebitis of superficial varicosities, maintenance of the ability to walk about being an essential factor for a favorable outcome. Local and general anti-inflammatory treatment of the initial acute phase of inflammation for less than one week improves the comfort of the patient and facilitates the application of the indispensable compression. Ambulatory thrombectomy can rapidly relieve pain, decompress the varicosities, accelerate revascularization and reduce the risk of residual pigmentation. To be simple and useful this procedure must be carried out before the fibrous organization of the clot. Stasis is controlled by an elastic stocking or bandage, the latter being often more effective and better tolerated initially. Compression must be maintained until elimination of the responsible varicose vein. Surgery and anticoagulants of all types are not indicated for treatment of uncomplicated superficial thrombosis, being indicated only in case of an authentic extension to the deep venous network. Surgery should then be limited to a safety crossectomy, heparins being reserved strictly for often prolonged preventive therapy or for treatment of a deep phlebitis.