The assessment and treatment of varicose veins by members of the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland has been assessed by postal questionnaire. The response rate was 65%, of which 77% were general surgeons with a vascular interest, 21% were vascular surgeons only and 2% were non-vascular. Approximately four new patients with varicose veins are seen per surgeon per week in clinics with a median waiting time to be seen of 12 weeks. A median of three varicose vein operations per surgeon per week are undertaken with 10-15% of surgery being performed for recurrent disease. The commonest indications for surgery are symptomatic (97%) and complicated (98%) varicose veins, although 55% of surgeons also perform surgery for cosmesis. 65% surgeons routinely use hand-held Doppler in the assessment of varicose veins; of the other methods available, Duplex scanning was used as the first line investigation by 83%. Although over 60% of surgeons use sclerotherapy surgery is the preferred option for primary treatment for varicose veins associated with long or short saphenous reflux. 62% surgeons use deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing varicose veins surgery selectively, and 27% use it routinely.
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