Comparison of clinical tests and doppler ultrasound in the preoperative assessment of lower extremity varicose veins

Abstract

Introduction: Varicose vein of the lower extremity is a very common problem and is associated with severe morbidity if left untreated. Recurrence is inevitable if preoperative assessment of incompetence is not accurate. This study aims to compare the accuracy of clinical tests and Doppler ultrasound in the localization of incompetence with the Turner Warwicks bleed back sign at operation. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with lower limb varicose veins admitted to the department of general surgery. 53 limbs were studied in 50 patients. They were evaluated by clinical tests and Doppler ultrasound. Results: Saphenofemoral incompetence was correctly diagnosed in all 53 limbs both by clinical test and Doppler ultrasound. In the evaluation of perforator competency, the sensitivity was 82.93% by clinical tests and 97.56% by Doppler ultrasound. Conclusion: Doppler ultrasound evaluation of the varicose veins should be done for accurate diagnosis in all patients before planning surgery.

Keywords

• Clinical tests
• Doppler ultrasound
• varicose veins
• Turner-Warwicks bleed back sign