Home - Concepts - Philosophy

Philosophy

Summary Points

Prior to 2005, the treatment of varicose veins was uncontroversial, and had remained the province of surgeons for over 50 years.  Vein stripping was used for the bulk of procedures for varicose veins, with follow up sclerotherapy in selected patients. The subject of pelvic varicose veins and pelvic congestion was not widely accepted, and in many specialists considered the condition to be non existent. Because stripping required a general anaesthetic, care of varicose veins remained in the hands of surgeons.

In 1998, EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) emerged as a minimally invasive technique for treating varicose veins. Adoption of this procedure, also known as thermal ablation, was gradual as equipment evolved and the technique was perfected. Our clinic adopted thermal ablation in 2005, initially with RadioFrequency, and later Laser (EVLT), which is now our standard treatment for Varicose Veins. Recent publications suggest that EVLT is now the Gold Standard.

As outpatient techniques emerged, general practitioners began performing EVLT.

Since 1997 we have conducted research into the treatment of Pelvic Congestion syndrome, and note the recent acceptance of this syndrome by the wider surgical community. Pelvic Congestion and Pelvic Varicose Veins is now considered to be an important component in the diagnosis and management og leg veins.

Our experience over the last 2 decades confirms our philosophy that the possibility of pelvic congestion and ovarian vein incompetence must be considered in all women who present with primary or recurrent varicose veins.  We believe that all patients should have surgical options available to them.

Patients are given all the information regarding their condition and the options available to them, as well as the potential side effects. We believe that all patients should know about the latest techniques, and the role of these emerging techniques in treating their particular condition.

Thermal Ablation is a minimally invasive technique using heat to treat varicose veins

EVLT and RFA are methods of thermal ablation

Surgical Stripping remains an important method of treating some varicose veins.

Pelvic Varicose Veins are present in 20% of women who have had children
Approximately  30% - 50% of these patients will experience symptoms affecting their pelvis, bladder or legs.