Surgical Correction of Isolated Superficial Venous Reflux Reduces Long-term Recurrence Rate in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers

Abstract

Objectives: surgical correction of isolated superficial venous reflux in ulcerated legs may reduce short term recurrence rates but the longer term benefits are unknown. Design: prospective non-randomised cohort study. Methods: consecutive patients with chronic leg ulcers were prospectively assessed at a one-stop clinic over a 4-year period from July 1995 to July 1999. All patients with ankle brachial pressure indices (ABPI)≥0.85 were initially treated with weekly four-layer bandaging. Venous duplex studies in all ulcerated legs assessed venous reflux pattern with surgery being offered to all those with isolated superficial reflux, of whom 56% accepted. Patients were advised to wear class two elastic compression stockings after healing. Results: 766 legs in 669 patients were assessed. Six hundred and thirty-three legs had an ABPI≥0.85, 236 (39%) demonstrating isolated superficial venous reflux. Surgery was performed on 131 of these legs. Twelve and 24 week healing rates were 50% and 72% for operated legs and 62% and 74% for non-operated legs (p=0.67; Kaplan–Meier life table analysis). Recurrence rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 14%, 20% and 26% for operated legs and 28%, 30% and 44% for non-operated legs (p=0.03; Kaplan–Meier life table analysis). Conclusion: surgical correction of superficial venous reflux in legs with chronic leg ulceration may reduce ulcer recurrence rate at 1, 2 and 3 years.