Controversies and realities of therapy for varicosis

Proponents of surgical eradication of varicose veins claim a high cure rate. Proponents of the conservative methods of multiple injections of sclerosing agents claim that this money-saving ambulatory method avoids hospitalization and loss of working time, that the end results are quite satisfactory and that any recurrences can be easily dealt with by reinjections. Both methods are effective. Both have their indications. Many surgeons use sclerotherapy after surgery as complementary therapy. Radical views recommending surgery or injections exclusively are contrary to the principles of good medical care and do injustice to the patient. A simple venographic technic demonstrating the status of the greater saphenous veins is described.