TREATMENT OF VENOUS LEG ULCERS

Abstract

Venous ulcerations are extremely common, accounting for a large proportion of all lower extremity ulceration and affect each socioeconomic class. Approximately 1% of the population is affected for development of venous ulceration at some point in their lives. These ulcerations reduce the quality of life and limit individual social function. Our aim is to discuss the results of treatment in patients with venous ulcers. Fourteen consecutive patients with unilateral leg skin ulceration due to venous insufficiency were included in this study. There were 8 female and 6 male patients, ranging in age from 28 to 79 with a mean age of 51.3±15.9 years. The diameter of the ulcers ranged from 12 to 43 mm. Three patients with superficial venous insufficiency were surgically treated with stripping of the long saphenous vein. The remaining 11 patients were treated with compression and wound care together with venoactive drug therapy. In 3 patients who underwent varicose vein surgery, ulcerated wounds have healed within 4 months, while the other patients' ulcerations have healed within 9-12 months. The combination of wound care and compression application with venoactive drug therapy is the mainstay in the management venous ulceration. However, in patients with superficial venous insufficiency alone, surgical intervention may be performed to avoid recurrences.