Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

This study aimed to review the pathophysiology of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency and the recent surgical treatment trend. Varicose veins are tortuous, twisted, or lengthened veins in the lower extremities. It is part of the spectrum of chronic venous disease. Primary pathogenesis is increased chronic venous hypertension caused by valvular insufficiency, venous outflow obstruction, and calf muscle pump failure. Some patients complain of no symptoms, except report cosmetic concerns. If the varicose vein progresses to chronic venous insufficiency, it may cause edema of the lower limb. The skin lesion can present as hyperpigmentation of the median part of the ankle, congestive dermatitis, and even a skin ulcer. The varicose vein can be diagnosed easily by visual inspection after identifying the skin lesions. For non-surgical treatment, elastic stocking, Unna boots, and pneumatic compression devices are recommended to reduce venous pressure. High ligation with stripping has been the standard treatment for varicose veins to achieve symptom relief and improve cosmetic effects. Endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, mechanochemical ablation, and the VenaSeal closure system have been introduced as surgical treatment methods. Recently, endovenous thermal/non-thermal ablations are recommended for treatment because both are less invasive techniques. The appropriate therapy should be selected after considering the patients’ symptoms and signs, anatomical structure, and economic burden of the treatment.