Incidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis after Varicose Vein Surgery - A Prospective Study

Abstract: Background:Varicose vein surgery is generally considered to have little risk of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. This prospective study was done to see the incidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery. Methods:The study was conducted on 50 patients which constituted the study group (Group A). Twenty five patients (Age and Sex matched) operated for other surgical causes and having same duration of hospital stay as operated cases of varicose veins formed the control group (Group B).Color Doppler was done in all the patients preoperatively and at two weeks postoperatively to rule out deep veins thrombosis in both the groups. Results: Postoperative color Doppler findings confirmed Deep Vein Thrombosis in one (2%) patient (in Group A) who had preoperative thrombophlebitis. Apart from this patient there was no incidence of DVT in any of the patients in both the groups. This patient was treated by conventional management of deep vein thrombosis by anticoagulants. Conclusion:Patients undergoing varicose vein procedures for uncomplicated varicose veins have almost same incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as in age and sex matched controls undergoing other surgical procedures. However, patients having massive varicose veins, preoperative superficial thrombophlebitis and preoperative increased thrombogenic potential, are at higher risk of post-operative deep vein thrombosis and need prophylaxis against DVT.