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Management and referral of varicose veins (Guidelines)

Warning

Uncomplicated Varicose Veins

Varicose veins without skin changes.

These may present with heaviness, tension, pain, itch or restless legs

Complicated Varicose Veins

  • Varicose eczema
  • Venous pigmentation
  • Lipodermatosclerosis
  • Active or healed ulceration
  • Bleeding
  • Truncal thrombophlebitis
    • requiring treatment with enoxaparin or demonstrated on ultrasound scanning
    • risk of propagation to deep system – refer as per Management of suspected DVT

Protocol for access to varicose vein surgery

Further information

European Society for Vascular Surgery Guidelines: Clinical Practice Management of Chronic Venous Disease

Images: http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/#V

Last reviewed: 04/02/2020

Next review date: 30/04/2022

Author(s): Consultant Vascular Surgeons.

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Consultant Vascular Surgeon.

Document Id: TAM424