Treatment of varicose veins: the present and the future - a questionnaire survey.

Winterborn R, Corbett C.

INTRODUCTION The treatment options for varicose veins have increased over the last few years. Despite a lack of randomised trials comparing the various modalities, many surgeons are changing their practice. The aim of this study was to assess the current practice of surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS A postal questionnaire survey was sent to surgical members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland and the Venous Forum of The Royal Society of Medicine. Of 561 questionnaires sent, 349 were returned completed (62%).

RESULTS The types of varicose vein treatments offered by each surgeon varied widely in both NHS and private practice. The vast majority (96%) offered conventional surgery (CS) on the NHS. Foam sclerotherapy (FS) endovenous laser (EVL) and radio frequency ablation (RF) were more likely to be offered in private practice than in NHS practice. Overall, 38% of respondents for NHS practice and 45% of respondents for private practice offered two or more modalities. Of the respondents who were not yet performing FS, EVL, or RF, 19% were considering or had undertaken training in FS, 26% in EVL and 9% in RF. When asked to consider future practice, 70% surgeons felt that surgery would remain the most commonly used treatment. This was followed by FS (17%), EVL (11%) and RF (2%).

CONCLUSIONS Over one-third of respondents are now offering more than one treatment modality for the treatment of varicose veins. Whilst there is movement towards endovascular treatments, the problem of cost has yet to be solved. At present, surgery remains the most popular modality in both the NHS and private practice; however, improved outcomes and patient preference may lead to a change in practice.

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2008 Aug 12.