| Popis: |
The "Societe Beige de Chirurgie Vasculaire" (SBCV) carried out a survey of the phlebological practice of its members in Belgium (2006-2008). A questionnaire was sent by e-mail in December 2007 with a reminder in January 2008. The questionnaire enquired about all modalities of phlebological practice including echo-Doppler ultrasound. The usable response rate was 22% (n = 52 out of 238 members). Practice activity was divided as follows: 65% in consultations, 22% in sclerotherapy, 11% in surgical interventions, 2% in "re-do" surgery. More than 50% of surgeons used the "C" of the CEAP classification in their practice. As regards venous echo-Doppler examination in 2008, it was always carried out by the surgeon in 52% preoperatively and 43% on the day of operation. Stripping was the commonest surgical procedure (changing from 58% in 2006 to 48% in 2008) in the treatment of varices; the other techniques were used in 16% for laser, 14% for multiple ligatures, 8% for radiofrequency, 9% for foam sclerotherapy, and 5% for liquid sclerotherapy in the analysis for 2008. A year by year increase in the use of new technologies (laser or radiofrequency) was noted. The figures of the Ministry of Health on the percentage of patients treated by endovascular techniques are slightly less than 20% different from those in this survey. One of the reasons is a problem of nomenclature which should soon be resolved and allow patient accessibility to these less invasive techniques in the management of varicose veins. |
