Chronic venous insufficiency.

The consequences of chronic deep venous insufficiency are a major medical concern and result in significant loss of human productivity in addition to a significant compromise of lifestyles. The postphlebitic syndrome of chronic venous stasis and ulceration is a result of chronic venous hypertension and reflects a sequela of events occurring secondary to venous valvular insufficiency and reflux. Diagnostic techniques have advanced considerably; however, the prevention and management of this entity continue to be inadequate. Many new areas are being explored, both from a medical and a surgical perspective, and it is hoped that as clinical investigation proceeds, new conceptual approaches and techniques will arise to combat this difficult medical problem. The literature reviewed in this article reflects a spectrum of research attempting to understand the basic underlying hemodynamic as well as cellular and tissue changes that contribute to the development of postphlebitic signs and symptoms. More investigation is needed to enable us to proceed from the descriptive understanding of this entity to the mechanisms that result in this disease state. Preventive and curative management needs to succeed the current palliative approach to therapy.