Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish the value of color-duplex scanning in a group of patients with varicose veins and another group of patients with with recurrent varicose veins.
Material and methods: During a 6-month period, 170 patients with varicose veins were examined: one group of 106 lower extremities and another group of 99 lower extremities previously operated for varicose veins. The material included 102 women and 68 men with a mean age of 48 years. The patients were classified according to oedema, lipodermatosclerosis, healed and active ulcer. A Diasonic Gateway 2 and 5 MHz scanner head were used for the examination of the patients in a standing position in the groin, midthigh and in the popliteal fossa. Reflux in the superficial and deep venous system, obstruction in the deep system and insufficient operation were recorded.
Results: In the non-operated group 84% of the varicose veins were classified as primary. Three of four ulcers belonged to that group. In the operated group 42% of the cases were due to insufficient treatment. In 33% new sites with reflux were classified. Five of six ulcers could be ascribed to deep venous insufficiency.
Discussion: Color-duplex scanning is applicable for the determination of the anatomic placement of the chronic venous insufficiency in patients with varicose veins, previously operated or non-operated. In this material 80% of lower extremities could be selected to a possible operation. Operation of the remaining cases would be worthless.