Stasis Ulcer of the Lower Extremity

STASIS ulceration of the leg is an ancient disease that continues to afflict a considerable portion of the population. It has been estimated that there are 300,000 to 500,000 cases in the United States alone.^1,2 The venous congestion which results in stasis ulceration may originate in either the superficial or deep venous system. In patients with stasis ulcer following deep thrombophlebitis, operative therapy on the venous system in our hands has not been of lasting benefit; in general, we do not recommend it. If the deep circulation is normal, however, the diseased superficial and communicating veins should be removed and a good result can be anticipated.

Operations on the venous system in the vicinity of a stasis ulcer are accompanied by a substantial number of infections. To minimize the incidence of infection after vein ligation and stripping, we have treated such patients preoperatively by compression bandaging until the ulcer