Importance of subfascial collaterals in deep-vein malformations.

BACKGROUND

The removal of varicose veins in patients with absent or hypoplastic deep veins is contraindicated.

OBJECTIVE

To determine a reliable examination for detection of the function of subfascial collaterals.

METHODS

Five crural ulcer limbs with deep-vein aplasia and hypoplasia were operated on. In all cases, a segmental or total deep-vein aplasia (four cases) or hypoplasia (one case) was found in the affected limb by venography. Patients were selected for surgery using a new modification of the Perthes test. Radical varicectomy was performed in every case using stripper and open varicectomy.

RESULTS

There was no circulatory complication during or after the operation. Crural ulcers healed.

CONCLUSION

The agenesia or hypoplasia of a shorter or longer segment of deep veins is not a contraindication to radical varicectomy in every patient.