EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PRIMARY VARICOSE VEINS OF LOWER LIMB IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological studies plays an important role in providing information on the spectrum and frequency of venous disease distribution in a population. In India, study encompassing the clinical evaluation and surgical management of varicose veins on the conventional lines seems a necessity to improve the quality care with the available resources. We have undertaken an epidemiological study on inuence of age, sex, body mass index, posture on clinical manifestations and complications of varicose veins of lower limbs in patients attending the Department of Vascular Surgery . Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in Department of vascular surgery on patients with primary varicose veins of lower limb. Patients with secondary varicose veins, recurrent varicose veins, patients less than 18 years, deep vein thrombosis& peripheral arterial disease were excluded from the study. Results: In the present study 88.89% of ulcer patients had combined saphenofemoral(SFJ) and perforator incompetence, while 11.11% of ulcer patients had combined saphenofemoral, saphenopopliteal (SPJ)and perforator incompetence.14% patients present with combined SFJ, SPJ and perforator incompetence. The patients with higher CEAP classication had combined SFJ and SPJ valvular incompetence. Most commonly, the disease affected the males in the age group of 40-50 years. Conclusion: The present study shows that prolonged standing , obesity ,increasing age are the common risk factors for development of varicose veins.