The effect of calcium dobesilate on venous function following saphenectomy in coronary artery bypass grafting.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic use of calcium dobesilate (CD) can improve venous function after saphenous vein harvest in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).


METHODS
A total of 100 patients who underwent elective CABG were divided into four equal groups. In Group A, the greater saphenous vein (GSV) was harvested below the knee and, in Group B, through the knee till the groin. These patients remained untreated. Group C received CD in a dosage of 1500 mg po daily after the GSV was harvested below the knee. Group D received same dosage of CD after the GSV was harvested through the knee till the groin. Venous function of ipsilateral leg was evaluated clinically and by Doppler ultrasonography in the postoperative first week and second month.


RESULTS
Clinical findings of venous insufficiency were observed with a similar rate between groups at both early and late periods. In Groups A and B, after 2 months, flow velocities decreased and reflux periods increased significantly. In groups C and D, treatment with CD for 2 months after saphenectomy resulted in a significant increase in flow velocities and a significant decrease in reflux periods. Patients in Groups B and D have significantly more impaired venous functions.


CONCLUSIONS
Saphenectomy results in ipsilateral leg venous dysfunction, which seems to be unrelated to leg swelling and to be more prominent in patients with high-level saphenectomy. In addition, to be careful about the restriction of the saphenectomy procedure into the most appropriate level, prophylactic use of CD can prevent this deterioration when it was added to varice socks.
Cagli
Kerim
K
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Türkiye Yüksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. kerimcagli@hotmail.com
Ozisik
Kanat
K
Emir
Mustafa
M
Yurdakok
Okan
O
Gurkahraman
Sami
S
Bakuy
Vedat
V
Tola
Muharrem
M
Pac
Mustafa
M
Cobanoglu
Adnan
A
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002123:Calcium Dobesilate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D006490:Hemostatics; D002123:Calcium Dobesilate