Venous reconstructive surgery

Effects of the Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella asiatica in Venous Hypertensive Microangiopathy: A Prospective, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial

The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA), was effective in improving the microcirculation in venous hypertension and microangiopathy. Forty patients with severe venous hypertension, ankle swelling, lipodermatosclerosis were included, After informed consent, patients were randomized into a treatment and a placebo group: those in the treatment group received TTFCA (tablets, 60 mg, twice daily for 8 weeks). The two groups of subjects were comparable for age and sex distribution. The mean age was 48 years (SD 9; M:F = 11:11) in the treatment group (22 patients) and 47.6 (SD 7; M:F = 10:8) in the placebo group (18 patients). There were no differences between placebo and treatment group at inclusion; there was no change between inclusion and measurements at 8 weeks in the placebo group. A decrease (p<0.05) in RF (flux at rest) and RAS (rate of ankle swelling) were observed in the treatment group. The decrease in capillary filtration was associated with improvement in signs and symptoms (p<0.05). The difference in flux, signs and symptoms, and filtration was clinically important at 8 weeks. No side effects were observed. In conclusion venous microangiopathy was improved by TTFCA treatment.

Layered shaving of venous leg ulcers

A method for the quick preparation of refractory venous ulcer beds for autografting is described. Irrespective of their clinical or bacteriological state, ulcer granulations and other products of frustrated healing are shaved in layers down to an even and surgically clean base using an ordinary skin grafting knife. Our experience with 32 consecutive patients (58 ulcers) is reported. The mean duration of hospital stay, the patient being completely healed on discharge, was 18.3 days. This represents a decrease of more than 3 weeks when compared to a previously used standard method. No investigation into the question of recurrence was carried out as available evidence, which is critically reviewed, indicates no significant relation between the method of grafting and the incidence of recurrence.

Venous reconstruction. Surgery for severe venous stasis

Deep venous thrombosis is a common occurrence among hospitalized patients. The sequelae of deep venous thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency are well known. The nurse must know the signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis, and have knowledge of patients at high risk for developing thrombosis. Careful attention must also be given to accurate diagnosis of the precise venous abnormality prior to surgical intervention. New techniques, such as valve transplantation, plastic reconstruction of existing valves, or insertion of prosthetic valves, are in the early investigative stages. It is evident from the statistics mentioned earlier that the need for venous reconstructive surgery is widespread.

Venous insufficiency of the lower limb and stasis ulceration. Changing concepts and management

In a group of patients studied for venous insufficiency, the incidence of deep venous insufficiency was much higher than previously suspected. Insufficiency of the superficial system, when present, was associated invariably with deep venous insufficiency, suggesting a leading role for the latter condition. Evidence is presented to show that in many instances, such reflux is probably non-thrombotic. The results of various types of direct venous valve surgery in a group of patients are presented.