Management of varicose veins: a survey of current practice by members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
BACKGROUND
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.


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.
Edwards
A G
AG
Department of Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK. dr_ag_edwards@yahoo.com
Baynham
S
S
Lees
T
T
Mitchell
D C
DC
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001458:Bandages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002309:Cardiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011331:Private Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*