Venous ulcers in chronic venous insufficiency: King Khalid University Hospital experience

M M Al-Salman1

  • 1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Superficial venous incompetence significantly contributes to venous ulcers. Thoroughly investigating the location and type of venous disease is crucial for effective management and long-term recurrence-free periods.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Phlebology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often presents with challenging venous ulcers.
  • Identifying the precise anatomical location of venous disease is key to effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the anatomical location of venous disease in patients with CVI and venous ulcers.
  • To discuss the management strategies for these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital.
  • Evaluation of 90 CVI patients (1991-1997) using history, clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound, Duplex, ambulatory venous pressure (AVP), and venography.

Main Results:

  • 57 limbs in 48 patients presented with Stage III venous ulcers.
  • Deep venous system involvement with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 15 patients.
  • Venous reflux was present in 33 patients, with 24 showing superficial system reflux and 9 showing deep system reflux.

Conclusions:

  • Superficial venous incompetence is a major factor in the formation of venous ulcers.
  • Thorough investigation of venous disease location and type is essential.
  • Surgical excision of the superficial system can lead to long-term recurrence-free periods.
Abstract

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