Management of Varicose Veins: A Survey of Current Practice by Members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland

Author:

Edwards AG1,Baynham S1,Lees T2,Mitchell DC1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Surgery, Southmead Hospital Bristol, UK

2. Department of Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In 1999, a survey was published detailing the management of varicose veins by members of the then Vascular Surgical Society (VSS). Since then, newer methods for treating varicose veins have been developed and far more explicit rationing has been introduced in the NHS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In order to examine whether there had been a significant change in established practice in the UK, a questionnaire was sent to all Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSGBI) members in the 2004 yearbook by E-mail or post. RESULTS Of the 426 questionnaires distributed, a 69% response rate was achieved. Of respondents, 97% treated varicose veins in their NHS practice, whilst 88% did so in private practice. Some 73% used hand-held Doppler assessment in the clinic and 96% used duplex ultrasound assessment selectively. Despite UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, only 68% said that their primary care trusts funded treatment of symptomatic varicose veins, while 93% did so for complications. In either NHS or private practice, respectively, 83% or 72% of responders offered surgery as preferred treatment for primary varicose veins, while 14% or 20% preferred endovascular treatments (endovascular laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy). Of responders, 17% did not follow-up patients after treatment. CONCLUSIONS This survey suggests that there is rationing of access to care for symptomatic varicose veins. Despite publicity for endovenous techniques, surgery remains the preferred treatment for varicose veins in the UK.

Publisher

Royal College of Surgeons of England

Subject

General Medicine,Surgery

Cited by 48 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3