[Venous leg ulcers].

Abstract

Patients with venous leg ulcers usually have extensive symptoms both related to their venous insufficiency and to the wound itself, often combined with a reduced quality of life. Prevalence of venous leg ulcers varies from 0.1 to 1.0%. Treatment costs are high and may amount to 1.5% of a nation's total spending on health care. Venous hypertension is the common denominator for all patients with venous leg ulcers. Isolated superficial as well as deep or combined venous insufficiency with or without insufficient perforators may cause ulceration. In the microcirculation, inflammation is involved, but the exact mechanisms behind the ulcer formation remain unresolved. During the examination, a presence of superficial venous insufficiency accessible for superficial resection must be established. In addition to a clinical examination, venous pressure measurements/plethysmography and colour duplex scanning is recommended in order to locate and evaluate the significance of the venous insufficiency. The key element in the treatment of venous ulcers is to reduce oedema and venous hypertension by adequate compression and elevation. If primary superficial venous insufficiency is established, venous resection is recommended. This may improve healing and reduce recurrences. In selected patients, deep venous reconstruction is an alternative approach.