Surgical treatment of varicose veins reduces leg edema and generalized edema: Alleviating clinical symptoms throughout the body

Abstract

Edema presents itself in two primary forms: generalized edema and localized edema. Previous studies suggest that varicose veins contribute to systemic edema. We investigated if treating them could alleviate symptoms elsewhere. Case 1: A 58-year-old female with varicose veins underwent surgery, reducing edema and symptoms across the body. Case 2: A 75-year-old male experienced similar relief postsurgery. Body composition analysis supported systemic improvement. Facial and hand edema decreased, correlating with trunk edema reduction. These cases challenge the notion of varicose veins as solely local. Surgery not only targets leg edema but also alleviates systemic symptoms, warranting further investigation into varicose vein management’s broader impacts.

Keywords

• extracellular water/total body water ratio
• generalized edema
• surgery
• varicose vein