Phlebolymphology N°63 – Editorial
Robert F. Merchant, USA, who is one of the pioneers of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation as a less invasive alternative to conventional vein stripping, gives very useful recommendations for improving the results of this method by using modifications of the original technique and innovations in equipment. The material presented is based on an outstanding review of clinical trials comparing different methodologies.
The nutcracker syndrome is a clinical entity not well known to most phlebologists. Olivier Hartung from Marseille gives a comprehensive overview of this compression syndrome, in which the left renal vein is compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This pathology may be compared with other venous entrapment syndromes, like May-Thurner syndrome.
Hans Joachim Hermanns and Peter Waldhausen from Germany have written an article of practical importance, which impressively shows that surgery offers very promising ways to treat recalcitrant leg ulcers. Impressive improvement can be achieved even in seemingly hopeless cases. The main emphasis is placed on local shaving of ulcers together with mesh grafting.
The last contribution, by Francis Pesteil and co-workers, France, considers poorly healing leg ulcers, and shows that amniotic membrane can be used as a promising new dressing for local treatment of recalcitrant ulceration.
