Servier – Phlebolymphology

Dr Vasquez from Buffalo, USA, who was one of the driving forces behind the last refinement of the Venous Clinical Severity Score, gives a detailed overview of phlebological terminology, concerning both anatomical and clinical nomenclature. His article clearly shows that mutual understanding is still a problem today as it has been ever since Biblical times when the Lord confounded the tongues of the people who wanted to reach heaven by building the Tower of Babel, which was never completed.

Michel Perrin, Lyon, has written two fantastic overviews. One is a historical review of the development of venous surgery, starting with a terminological and anatomical introduction, from Aulus Cornelius Celsus to Trendelenburg, containing impressive illustrations. The other is a report of a remarkable meeting dedicated to the idea of reducing the incidence of venous leg ulcers by 50% in the next 15 years. I am confident that this goal will be achieved, unlike the aim of the 1989 St Vincent initiative to reduce the rate of amputations of diabetic feet by 50% over a five-year period. This target, unfortunately, has still not been reached.

Interesting results are reported from the DECIDE study in which 8958 consecutive patients suffering from venous symptoms associated with venous pathology (CEAP C1-C3) and treated with MPFF at a dose of 500 mg for 2 months by general practitioners were questioned concerning their quality of life using the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire. Symptoms like “pins and needles”, night cramps, and sensation of swelling were the most valuable indications and showed improvement rates of more than 50%.