PRIMARY VARICOSE-VEINS

In approximately 10% of adults in westen countries medical relevant primary varicosis can be found. About 3-4% require medical treatment. Etiology of primary varicose veins remains uncertain. In population - studies of risk factors, age alone is clearly related. Pathophysiological mechanisms of varicosis bases on lack of smooth muscle tone as well as incompetence of the saphenofemoral valve or the perforating veins. Diagnostic criteria concentrate on fixing form and degree of varicositis, demonstrating a patent deep venous system and describing complications of the disease. Beside the clinical examination, ascending contrast phlebography can be evaluated as the ''golden standard''. Compression sclerotherapy is indicated whenever there is no communication between superficial and deep venous system. In order to conserve as many healthy veins as possible for future vein grafting only varicose veins should be selected for stripping.