Varicose vein treatments are a good investment

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

An analysis of varicose vein treatments carried out in the United Kingdom suggests they are worthwhile.
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins just under the skin caused by faulty valves which allow backflow of blood. They are unsightly and often give rise to a heavy, aching feeling. The veins can be treated either by surgery to remove them or by sclerotherapy, in which an injection causes them to shrivel up.

Doctors at the University of Sheffield, England, have been reviewing the outcome of varicose vein treatment in the UK. There has been some debate over whether such treatments should be treated for free when resources are also needed for serious conditions like cancer. The researchers looked at the effect of treatment on patients with mild, moderate or severe varicose veins. They carried out economic modeling to show how cost effective treatments were.

For all patient groups, treatment was cost effective in terms of quality of life, improvement of symptoms and patient satisfaction. In other words, it is a good investment for the health service. Delays, while people wait for treatment, postpone the benefits and should be avoided when possible. There is no case for rationing varicose vein treatment, the researchers conclude.

Source
Health Technology Assessment May 2006