Experts’ views on recurrence and progression of varicose veins

Introduction. Despite modern advances in technologies for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, there is currently no radical treatment for varicose veins. The probability of recurrence of dilated veins, according to various authors, ranges from 5 to 70%. Along with the well-established concept of recurrence of varicose veins, the term progression of varicose veins is increasingly common in everyday life.

Aim. To study the current understanding of the term relapse and the practical attitude of specialists involved in the treatment of varicose veins to it.

Material and methods. In 2023, a survey of 117 specialists on the recurrence/progression of varicose veins was conducted. The respondents were doctors involved in the treatment of varicose veins: vascular surgeons 22.4%, phlebologists 50%, general surgeons 19.8%, specialists in ultrasound/functional diagnostics 7.8%, X-ray endovascular surgeon 0.85%. The questionnaire included 18 questions regarding the frequency of visits of patients with relapse/progression of varicose veins; views on tactics, as well as the attitude of specialists to the issue of progression and recurrence of varicose veins in patients after its surgical treatment.

Results and discussion. The concept of recurrence and progression of varicose veins among specialists dealing with this pathology is not always comparable. There are differences in views both on the predisposing factors for the recurrence of dilated veins, and, accordingly, on the tactics of treatment and preventive measures. In some cases, according to statistics, they are due to specialization.

Conclusions. The incidence of relapse and progression at the reception of the respondents has a slight difference. Despite the fact that there are opinions that do not correspond to generally accepted and abhorrent collegiality, mostly specialists try to separate these concepts, see differences in provoking factors and, accordingly, in recommendations.

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