Varicose veins: our experience in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: The varicose veins is the most common vascular disorder of the lower extremities. It affects more than 5% of adult population but in India incidence of varicose veins seems to be far less common because patients come for complications such as pain, oedema, pigmentation and ulceration leading to tip of Iceberg phenomenon. This study will help in finding epidemiology, mode of presentation and effect of surgery on venous ulcers and recurrence. The aims and objectives of the study was to study the incidence of varicose veins according to age, sex and occupation with spectrum of clinical presentation in varicose veins. To determine effect of surgery in healing of varicose ulcers if present and study of recurrence upto 6 months.

Methods: This prospective study involved 50 patients admitted in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia with clinical diagnosis of varicose veins. The study period was 18 months inclusive of a 6 month follow up period.

Results: Most patients was between 41 to 50 years (26 %.), males (74%), left side involvement in (70%) and farmer by occupation (40%) with pain as most common presenting symptom in (76%). Long saphenous system involvement in (94%). 6 patients out of 50 showed recurrence of varicose veins. 4 patient showed recurrence out of 21 venous ulcer patients.

Conclusions: For varicose veins saphenofemoral junction ligation with stripping of vein with perforator ligation showed good outcome. Venous ulcers heal well after surgery with few recurrences.