Trends in varicose vein therapy in England: radical changes in the last decade

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to analyse national trends in varicose vein treatment in the UK National Health Service (NHS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Hospital Episode Statistics website (www.Hesonline.nhs.uk) was interrogated for patients treated (1998-2008) in the NHS for varicose veins. RESULTS: There has been a 34% decline in patients presenting for an intervention for varicose veins. For surgical procedures alone, the waiting times have fallen by 59%. In 2007-2008, 30,663 (72%) fewer bed days were used in comparison to 1998; accompanied by a 49% decline in the number of patients undergoing surgery. After a 47% decrease between 1998 and 2001, the number of patients requesting sclerotherapy treatment has increased by a substantial 311% over the subsequent 7 years. Transluminal procedures were used almost twice as often in 2007-2008 as in 2006-2007. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a steady decline in the number of patients treated for varicose veins. Fewer patients are undergoing surgery but are being managed more efficiently, with an increase in day cases and a reduction in total bed days. The demand for minimally invasive procedures has increased substantially. These trends will be of great importance for the future planning of vascular surgical services.