Objective To evaluate the efficiency and safety of combinative use of radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Methods Three hundred and twenty-one cases of varicose veins of lower extremity were randomly divided into three groups: group A (102 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; group B (97 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for upper leg part of great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; 122 conventional treatment cases, which high ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein, blood vessel branches and communicating branches resection and ligation were used, were selected as controlled group (group C). Consequences and complications of operation were checked. Results In all cases, the symptoms of swelling in lower extremity, soreness and infirmity disappeared within one month after operation, skin pigmentation was alleviated within one month after operation, and disappeared gradually within three months. Contrasting three groups in complications of skin numbness of legs, ecchymosis of upper leg, wound hematoma, and swelling below ankle, there was no statistical difference between group A and B, and there was statistical difference between group A and C, and B and C. There were more complications in conventional group than those in mini-invasive groups. There was no statistical difference in leg ecchymosisa between group B and C. No deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity and incision infection was detected in all cases. Conclusion It is simple and definitely efficient to combine radiofrequency with transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Powered phlebectomy is efficient in removal of varicose vein, but not suitable for phlebectomy for trunk of great saphenous vein.
Objective To explore the results of thrombolytic therapy of acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity. Methods The clinical data of 126 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity treated conservatively from Dec.1999 to Feb.2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Results All patients were divided into three groups: 26 of central, 33 of surrounding and 67 of combined by Doppler sonography. Combined medication was adopted in all cases, in which 85 cases (67.5%) were clinically cured, 34 cases (27.0%) had good results, and 5 cases (4.0%) recovered partially. Two cases (1.6%) didn’t get better. The total effective rate was 98.4% (124/126). Conclusion Most patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity can get satisfied results with conservative treatment including thrombolysis and anticoagulation. Early diagnosis and appropriate medication are crucial.
Objective To discuss the feasibil ity of repairing soft tissue defects of lower extremity with a distally based posterior tibial artery perforator cross-bridge flap or a distally based peroneal artery perforator cross-bridge flap. Methods Between August 2007 and February 2010, 15 patients with soft tissue defect of the legs or feet were treated. There were 14 males and 1 female with a mean age of 33.9 years (range, 25-48 years). The injury causes included traffic accident in 8 cases, crush injury by machine in 4 cases, and crush injury by heavy weights in 3 cases. There was a scar (22 cm × 8 cm atsize) left on the ankle after the skin graft in 1 patient (after 35 months of traffic accident). And in the other 14 patients, the defect locations were the ankle in 1 case, the upper part of the lower leg in 1 case, and the lower part of the lower leg in 12 cases; the defect sizes ranged from 8 cm × 6 cm to 26 cm × 15 cm; the mean interval from injury to admission was 14.8 days (range, 4-28 days). Defects were repaired with distally based posterior tibial artery perforator cross-bridge flaps in 9 cases and distally based peroneal artery perforator cross-bridge flaps in 6 cases, and the flap sizes ranged from 10 cm × 8 cm to 28 cm × 17 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly, but a spl it-thickness skin graft was used in the middle part. The pedicles of all flaps were cut at 5-6 weeks postoperatively. Results Distal mild congestion and partial necrosis at the edge of the skin flap occurred in 2 cases and were cured after dressing change, and the other flaps survived. After cutting the pedicles, all flaps survived, and wounds of recipient sites healed by first intention. Incisions of the donor sites healed by first intention, and skin graft survived. Fifteen patients were followed up 7-35 months with an average of 19.5 months. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to these of the reci pient site. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system, the mean score was 87.3 (range, 81-92). Conclusion A distally based posterior tibial artery perforator cross-bridge flap or a distally based peronealartery perforator cross-bridge flap is an optimal alternative for the reconstruction of the serious tissue defect of ontralateral leg or foot because of no microvascular anastomosis necessary, low vascular crisis risk, and high survival rate.
Objective To explore the methods of early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity (ASOLE). Methods The related literatures on ASOLE detection means adopted clinically were reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared.Results Asymptomatic ASOLE could be discovered by determination of ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI), which was a good index for arterial function assessment of lower extremity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more vulnerable and less sensitive than ABI, and therefore more suitable for screening of a large sample. ASI was an index to assess arterial structure and function, and it had a good correlation with PWV. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was a measurement evaluating the function of endothelial cell; Pulse wave measurement was simple, sensitive, and its result was reliable. Color Doppler ultrasonography could localizate the lesion and determine the degree of stenosis at the same time. Multiple-slice CT angiography (MSCTA) was more accurate than color Doppler ultrasonography, but its inherent shortcomings, such as nephrotoxicity of contrast agent, was still need to be resolved. 3D-contrast enhancement magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA) had little nephrotoxicity, but a combination of other imaging methods was necessary. Microcirculation detections required high consistency of the measurement environment, but they were simple, sensitive and noninvasive, and therefore could be used for screening of ASO. Conclusion Publicity and education of highrisk groups, and reasonable selection of all kinds of detection means, are helpful to improve the early diagnosis of ASOLE.
Objective To evaluate improved effect for deep venous valve function after superficial vein surgery of lower extremity in the intermediate stage. Methods Totally 43 patients (55 limbs) with varicose veins of lower extremity were enrolled to accept surgical management of vein systems in our department from March 2006 to October 2006. All patients were respectively followed up after 6 months and 4 years about the changes of deep venous valve function with color Doppler ultrasonography. Results Thirty-nine patients’ deep venous valve function kept well up to now, and there was no significant difference between the two results. Four patients without proximal saphenous vein ligation recurred, and there was reflux in deep venous. Conclusion Endovenous laser treatment and ablation of varicose veins of lower extremity with deep venous insufficiency could improve deep venous valve function effectively. Proximal great saphenous vein ligation is important for successful operation.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of treating lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after repair of inguinal hernia. MethodThe clinical data of 1 812 patients who underwent herniorrhaphy from January 2002 to December 2012 were reviewed, and we analyzed such data as age, gender, and the formation of DVT. ResultsFive of them suffered from DVT (0.28%), including 2 cases involving both lower extremities, 1 right and 2 left extremity. All of them were discharged from hospital by anticoagulant therapy and there was no pulmonary embolism and death case. DVT recovered well in 4 cases half a year after being discharged from the hospital. One had a sequela of recurrent swelling of the left lower extremity. ConclusionsReasonable precautions and treatment against DVT are very important even though DVT rate after inguinal hernia repair is low.
ObjectiveTo evaluate feasibility and clinical effect of individual therapy for venous ulceration of lower extremity. MethodsFrom February 2012 to February 2014, 360 cases (totally 421 lower limbs) treated by the individual therapy were analyzed retrospectively. There were 126 male and 234 female patients, with a mean age of 53 years (ranging from 45 to 78 years). The venous ulceration occurred in left limb for 176 cases, right limb for 123 cases, and both limbs for 61 cases. The individualized treatment plans were performed for all the patients according to the color Doppler before the operation. The perforating vein was ligated during the operation, and elastic stockings were wore after operation. The operation time, postoperative VAS pain score, perioperative complications, ulcer healing and recurrence were recorded. ResultsThe operations were completed in all the patients, the average operation time was 35 min. The average VAS pain score was 2.6 at 8 h after operation, the pain was disappeared nearly at 24 h after operation. The time of returning to normal activity was 3 d. The incision bleeding occurred in 5 cases, the ulcer infection occurred in 32 lower limbs. The patients were followed-up for 12 months to 24 months, all the ulcers were healed, there were 9 cases of recurrence. ConclusionIndividual therapy for venous ulceration of lower extremity is safe, effective, fewer complications, fast ulcer healing, and less postoperative pain.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of the anterolateral thigh free flap with the oblique branch in reconstructing the soft tissue defects of lower extremity. MethodsBetween June 2009 and February 2013,12 patients (including 7 males and 5 females) with soft tissue defects of lower extremity were treated with the anterolateral thigh free flap with the oblique branch,aged from 8 to 42 years (median,32 years).The locations of soft tissue defect were the dorsum of the foot in 5 cases,the ankle and foot in 4 cases,the lower leg in 2 cases,and the distal foot in 1 case.All defects were associated with exposure of tendon and bone.The size of the wound was from 15 cm×7 cm to 27 cm×12 cm.The interval of injury and operation was 1 to 7 days (mean,3.7 days).The anterolateral thigh flap was pedicled with only the oblique branch in 7 patients,and with the both descending branch and oblique branch in 5 patients,and the size of flap was from 17 cm×9 cm to 30 cm×15 cm.The donor sites were repaired by suture in 3 patients,and by skin graft in 9 patients. ResultsDistal skin flap necrosis occurred in 1 case,and was cured after dressing change and skin graft.The other flaps survived,and the donor site healed primarily.The follow-up time was from 10 months to 2 years (mean,18 months).Thinning operation was performed in 3 cases,and the other flaps recovered pain and warm sensation with good appearance. ConclusionIt is a safe and effective method to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity with the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress in the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail. MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature about the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. ResultsThe intramedullary nail lengthening systems can be divided into 3 types:distraction by mechanical strength, by motorized electronic power, or by motorized magnetic force. The new technology has obvious advantages in complication incidence, limb function, bone healing rate, comfortable and cosmetic degree of the patients, and hospitalization days compared with the external fixation, but it also has the disadvantages including lengthening failure of system breakdown, intramedullary infection, injuries of vessel and nerve, limited distraction length, and expensive price of the apparatus. And the method also has several contraindications:narrow medulla, multiple curves of medulla, osteomyelitis, skin infection, and unclosed epiphyseal plate. ConclusionThe lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail is a major improvement of Ilizarov technology. Although the method has been used in limited cases, the preliminary clinical results are excellent, and it can be regarded as a new trend of the limb lengthening, bone reconstruction, and deformity correction.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (ADVT) in lower extremity. MethodsLimb circumference at 15 cm above and below the knee at affected side, as well as patency improvement score of 46 patients with ADVT in lower extremity, who received treatment in The Rocket Army General Hospital of PLA between January 2014 and October 2015, were colleted retrospectively, to analyze the effect of CDT in treatment of ADVT in lower extremity. ResultsAll patients were placed catheter successfully, 5 patients were placed catheter by 'contralateral mountain' technique retrograde, 40 patients were placed catheter through the limb popliteal vein at affected side anterograde, guiding by ultrasound, 1 patient was placed catheter through femoral vein at affected side. All of 46 patients got successful thrombolysis, and thrombolysis time was (4.7±1.8) d (3-12 d). There were 8 patients suffered from complications in different situation, and got treatment of drug withdrawal or tube drawing all ease, no one died. Compared with before CDT treatment in same group, the limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.028, P=0.017, P=0.031) and below (P=0.035, P=0.038, P=0.047) the knee at affected side, and patency improvement score (P=0.023, P=0.028, P=0.031) in all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group were all lower after CDT treatment. The limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.073, P=0.387, P=0.358) and below (P=0.416, P=0.625, P=0.253) the knee at affected side after CDT treatment were not differed with corresponding indexes of healthy side in the same group of all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group. Ultrasound after treatment showed that, blood vessel recanalization occurred in 15 patients (32.6%), partial blood vessel recanalization occurred in 28 patients (60.9%), but thrombus of 3 patients (6.5%) didn't removed, the total effective rate was 93.5% (43/46). Forty three patients were followed up for 1-24 months, the median is 18-month. During follow-up period, skin color obviously deepened after the activity occurred in 5 patients, obvious limb acid bilges occurred in 19 patients, vein thrombosis (DVT) recurred in 9 patients of 28 patients with partial blood vessel recanalization, in addition, thrombosis syndrome (PTS) occurred in 11 patients. ConclusionCDT is the most direct and effective way to treat ADVT.