Management of varicose veins during pregnancy.

The incidence of recurrences after radical venous operations done during pregnancy or where pregnancy has occurred subsequently is much higher than it is in cases in which pregnancy is not a factor. These discouraging results are due to increased venous pressure, obstruction to the venous drainage of the lower extremities and hormonal factors. The management of varicose veins during pregnancy should be by conservative means consisting of proper elastic support, elevation of the extremities at night and during rest periods in the day, avoiding static dependency of the legs, and control of body weight. In event of venous stasis and severe symptoms of varicosis that cannot be controlled by conservative measures, limited surgical intervention is indicated. This should consist of high ligation and division of the involved venous trunk and the immediate tributaries. Radical extirpation of varicose veins should be reserved until further pregnancy is not contemplated.