Muller's ambulatory phlebectomy for varicose veins of the foot.
BACKGROUND
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an accepted therapy for varicose veins. It has also been used for ankle and foot varicosities with success although the anatomy of the venous system of the foot is poorly described in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To review the relevant literature on the anatomy of the veins of the foot. Also to form an opinion on safe possibilities for the treatment of foot varicosis.


METHODS
The English, French, German, and Dutch language literature was reviewed for anatomy and treatment of varicose veins of the foot. Fourteen patients (19 feet) were treated for varicose veins of the foot with ambulatory phlebectomy.


RESULTS
Literature concerning the venous anatomy of the foot is very limited. Venous surgery, sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy have all been used for the treatment of varicose veins of the foot. The former two have resulted in serious complications. All treated patients showed excellent results with ambulatory phlebectomy. No serious side effects were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The venous anatomy of the foot does not indicate major restrictions in the treatment of its varicosities. Ambulatory phlebectomy is the safest and most elegant treatment option for varicose veins of the foot. Venous surgery and sclerotherapy may be used successfully in special cases only.
De Roos
K P
KP
Department of Dermatology, Sint Joseph Ziekenhuis, Veghel, The Netherlands.
Neumann
H A
HA
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery*