PRIMARY VARICOSE-VEINS

In approximately 10% of adults in westen countries medical relevant pr imary varicosis can be found. About 3-4% require medical treatment. Et iology of primary varicose veins remains uncertain. In population - st udies of risk factors, age alone is clearly related. Pathophysiologica l mechanisms of varicosis bases on lack of smooth muscle tone as well as incompetence of the saphenofemoral valve or the perforating veins. Diagnostic criteria concentrate on fixing form and degree of varicosit is, demonstrating a patent deep venous system and describing complicat ions of the disease. Beside the clinical examination, ascending contra st phlebography can be evaluated as the ''golden standard''. Compressi on sclerotherapy is indicated whenever there is no communication betwe en superficial and deep venous system. In order to conserve as many he althy veins as possible for future vein grafting only varicose veins s hould be selected for stripping.