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Presentation Description
Institution: Christchurch Hospital - Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand
Purpose
Despite varicose veins being a common clinical condition faced by Vascular Surgeons in day-to-day practice, current literature shows the existence of variation in clinical practice. This was particularly evident especially in the use of thromboprophylaxis pre and post treatment. Our study is aimed at assessing the current clinical practice of varicose vein surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Methodology
An invitation email was sent to all active Vascular Surgeons and Fellows of the Australasian College of Phlebology (ACP) in Aotearoa New Zealand. A link to the survey questionnaire was included in the email. The 32-question survey was delivered electronically via Google Forms. Participants were given 4 weeks to complete and submit their responses.
Results
A total of 24 responses were recorded giving a response rate of 32.4%. Radiofrequency ablation (43.6%) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (30.8%) are the two most preferred treatment methods of varicose veins. 79% of Vascular Surgeons do not apply any pre-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) scoring system in comparison to Phlebologists in the study cohort (p<0.001). All treating clinicians apply compression post procedure. Variation exists between clinicians in terms of duration, drug choice and dosage in the management of DVT and endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) post varicose vein surgery.
Conclusion
There exists a variation in the surgical management of varicose veins between Vascular Surgeons and Phlebologists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Formation of a clinical guideline is warranted to ensure provision of best medical care to patients.
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Authors
Dr Eric Lim - , Dr Peter Laws -