Preoperative ultrasonography in chronic venous insufficiency

(U)ltrasonographic investigation of the various forms of chronic venous ins ufficiency has substantial advantages compared to diagnosis with the compet ing phlebogram, particularly preoperatively. Important details such as side branches in the region of the groin, course variations of the small saphen ous vein and insufficiency of the perforators in the lower leg are sometime s missed in the antegrade phlebogram. However, it is absolutely necessary t o take these into consideration in order to attain a substained good result of surgery. With adequate qualification of the investigator and using all ultrasound techniques, diagnosis by sonography is better than by means of a ntegrade phlebogram. There are clear specifications for the documentation W ith regard to costs and time required, ultra-sonographic investigation of c hronic venous insufficiency is superior to the antegrade phlebogram and can be repeated at any time.