Colour flow duplex in the assessment of recurrent varicose veins

Recurrent varicose veins represent a common clinical problem. They require accurate assessment of all sites of reflux before surgery to ensure the correct surgical approach and reduce further recurrences. We report our experience of colour flow duplex in 190 legs with recurrent disease with reference to the pattern of reflux seen. We found that multiple sites of reflux were common, and that neovascularity and calf-perforators were most frequently seen. Our observations compare favourably with previously published data. Despite the reported greater accuracy of phlebography for detection of incompetent perforators, its invasive nature and potential contrast reactions have prompted us to use colour flow duplex routinely for the assessment of recurrent varicose veins.