Mild and moderate varicose vein reflux does not deteriorate over time

Abstract

Objective: To prioritize varicose vein (VV) waiting lists, superficial venous reflux was timed in patients with primary VVs using hand-held Doppler (HHD) and classified as 'severe' (≤4s), 'moderate' (>4; ≤6s) or 'mild' (>6s). Only patients with severe reflux were offered surgery. The progression of reflux in those not offered surgery was investigated over two years.

Methods: Patients seen in the VV clinic between November 1999 and October 2000 with reflux ≥4s were re-assessed two years later. Reflux was timed at the saphenofemoral (SFJ) and saphenopopliteal (SPJ) junctions using HHD. Patients completed a basic symptom questionnaire. The severity of VVs and skin changes of venous insufficiency were graded.

Results: In all, 38/54 patients attended for review at two years. There were 44 limbs with 48 sites of reflux, 38 at the SFJ and 10 at the SPJ. Reflux improved at 27 sites, remained the same at five and deteriorated at 16. Reflux became 'severe' in eight limbs, but only four patients requested surgery. Median (interquartile range) reflux time was 6.0 (5–6)s in 1999–2000 and 7.0 (4–10)s in 2002 (P = 0.13). Median symptom scores for aching and the severity of VV remained unchanged. The cosmetic appearance of VV and skin signs of venous insufficiency significantly improved (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Mild and moderate reflux did not deteriorate in most VV patients. HHD may be a useful adjunct to grade venous reflux and prioritize patients for VV surgery.