Venous Reconstruction in Postphlebitic Disease

Abstract

Venous reconstruction was undertaken in 63 patients with venous insufficiency of the limbs over a six-year period. Of these, 48 were bypass grafts (cross-pubis 27 and saphenopopliteal 21), 8 free grafts, and 7 direct anastomoses. The over-all patency rate was over 70%, indicating that phlebitic damage is often segmental as a result of anticoagulant therapy and can therefore be readily bypassed to restore venous continuity and improve hemodynamics.