[Indications and concepts for plastic surgery therapy in chronic varicose ulcer]

In the treatment of extensive leg ulcers, surgical therapy is superior to conservative methods in many respects. Radical resection of sclerotic tissue around the ulcer and its causing veins is essential, followed by defect cover with mesh-skin grafts. Surgery leads to prompt healing with a shortened hospitalization and therefore decreases costs; it leads to a prompt relief of pain and a low rate of recurrence. Especially in the aged patient the indication for operation must be well-considered and discussed interdisciplinarily. Even though operative technique seems to be simple, it should be reserved for the plastic surgeon experienced in the treatment of these lesions.