To define a consensual approach for the conservative treatment of patients C0s-C3.
Method
The project was structured into two phases. The first one involved a group of Italian specialists in angiology and/or vascular surgery with the aim to compare their therapeutic choices in the management of patients in CEAP C0s-C3. The second phase used a Delphi consensus in order to elaborate practical statements on the conservative management of these patients.
Results
The first phase involved a group of 166 Italian specialists while the second phase involved a Steering Committee of 6 specialists and a panel of 20 specialists. At the end of the third round, a consensus >80% was reached on seven assertions.
Conclusion
Seven statements have been drafted by a group of Italian specialists to provide physicians with practical guidance for the conservative treatment of C0s-C3 patients. Outstanding issues on the management of these patients were identified, confirming the urgent need of further research.
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