COLOR-FLOW DUPLEX IN THE ASSESSMENT OF RECURRENT VARICOSE-VEINS

Recurrent varicose veins represent a common clinical problem. They req uire accurate assessment of all sites of reflux before surgery to ensu re the correct surgical approach and reduce further recurrences. We re port our experience of colour flow duplex in 190 legs with recurrent d isease with reference to the pattern of reflux seen. We found that mul tiple sites of reflux were common, and that neovascularity and calf-pe rforators were most frequently seen. Our observations compare favourab ly with previously published data. Despite the reported greater accura cy of phlebography for detection of incompetent perforators, its invas ive nature and potential contrast reactions have prompted us to use co lour flow duplex routinely for the assessment of recurrent varicose ve ins.