The role of Duplex ultrasonography in surgical treatment of acute progressive thrombophlebitis of great saphenous vein

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this paper was to determine the role of ultrasonographic examination in acute progressive thrombophlebitis (APT) of great saphenous vein (GSV) and its impact in considering indications for urgent surgical treatment. Methods. In this retrospective study, out of 141 consecutive patients operated due to APT of GSV above the knee, 63 were examined by ultrasonography prior surgery. Results. Out of 63 operated patients, in 38 duplex ultrasonography (DUS) revealed that proximal level of phlebitic process was more than 5 cm higher than the one found during physical examination (60.3%). In this group, the mean difference between DUS and clinical finding was 8.5±3.5 cm. In 25 patients there were no differences greater than 5 cm found between DUS and physical examination (39.7%). There was statistically highly significant difference between DUS and physical examination findings (χ 2=6.5, P<0.01). Conclusion. This study revealed significant difference between ultrasonographic and physical findings in patients with APT of GSV. DUS presented as reliable diagnostic method in examining, course-following and making decision for operative treatment of these patients.