Clinical Profile and Management of Varicose Veins at tertiary care hospital, India

Background and objectives of study: Varicose veins of lower limb is a common clinical manifestation, which starts early in the life but assumes an innocent course for variable length of time. The adult prevalence of visible varicose veins is 25–30 per cent in women and 15 per cent in men. This study intends to know the predisposing factors, management of varicose veins of lower limbs effectively and to prevent its complications. Methods: 150 patients admitted to the hospital, who met with inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to detailed clinical examination and investigation. INCLUSION CRITERIA being Primary varicose veins, Perforator incompetence, Varicose ulcer EXCLUSION CRITERIA being Secondary varicose veins, Deep vein thrombosis, Recurrent varicose veins. The study period was 12 months with 2 months follow up. Patients were evaluated and followed up according to a protocol. Results: In this study males are more prone to the development of varicosity of lower limb than the female (M: F = 3:1) the disease is more common in 30 to 40 years age groups (34%). Occupation involving prolonged standing are the main contributory factors, patients present with engorged vein (92%) and pain (70%) as main symptom and with its complications . Left lower limb (47%) and long saphenous and perforator systems (86%) are predominantly involved. Duplex USG is the gold standard investigation in diagnosis of the disease. Most common surgery done was SFJ with perforator ligation (56%). Among post op complications the seroma formation (10%) was more common. Conclusion: This study shows the varicose veins of lower limbs is more common in middle age group with male predominance, and occupation and family history are the other contributory factors. Doppler ultra sound scanning is the investigation of choice. Saphenofemoral junction ligation with perforator ligation showed good outcome.