Venous Disease: Epidemiology, Management and Delivery of Care

Venous Disease highlights the increasing recognition of venous disease in terms of morbidity, impaired quality of life and health care costs. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, classification and health care costs of varicose veins and venous leg ulcers are analysed. Diagnostic tests of venous imaging and venous function are reviewed and related to clinical status. The full range of clinical management is covered, encompassing drug therapy, compression, sclerotherapy and surgery, including the new field of endoscopic subfascial perforator surgery. Issues in the delivery of care are addressed including the selection of patients for venous surgery, one-stop clinics, day care and the contributions of hospitals, community services and the private sector. Finally, improvement of outcomes for patients with varicose veins and chronic leg ulcers is also examined.