Superficial venous surgery as a management for chronic venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Background Venous leg ulcer (VLU) is a chronic problem affecting thousands of patients annually. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of saphenous vein surgery as a management for chronic VLUs and to determine which group of patients will gain more benefit from surgery.Patients and methods A prospective study was conducted over a period of 4 years on 40 patients (32 males and eight females) with chronic VLUs CEAP 6 (indicating skin changes with active ulceration) and isolated superficial venous system insufficiency. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included 20 patients who underwent compression alone and group B included 20 patients for whom surgery on the superficial saphenous system was performed followed by compression. The patients were followed up for ulcer healing rate, healing time, and incidence of recurrence for at least 12 months.Results The rate of ulcer healing was 65% in group A within 14–24 weeks and 100% in group B within 8–16 weeks. The recurrence rates were 30% in group A and 10% after surgical correction in group B within 12 months of follow-up.Conclusion Surgical correction of incompetent superficial saphenous veins improves ulcer healing rate, healing time, and reduces recurrence in patients with isolated superficial venous system incompetence.