The evolving management of varicose veins

Preview

Treatment of varicose veins is important because they can be not only uncomfortable and unsightly but also complicated by thrombophlebitis and will progress if left untreated. Studies have shown that varicose veins frequently recur regardless of treatment, so the least painful and least costly treatment makes sense. In this article, the authors review recent changes in varicose vein management and discuss the transition to sclerotherapy and selective ligation at the Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu. In a study of treatment methods used at the Clinic, they found that, if given a choice, patients would choose the simpler and less costly method, despite the chance for earlier and more extensive recurrences, since the problem itself is not a serious health hazard. This is an important finding in today's cost-conscious healthcare economy.