Varicose Vein Stripping in 66,577 patients in 11 years in public hospitals in São Paulo

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil's largest city, São Paulo. METHODS: Open and anonymous data regarding varicose vein surgeries between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated from the TabNet platform of the Municipal Health Secretary of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Most patients were female and adults. A total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed in public hospitals and outpatient clinics in São Paulo, with a statistically significant increase for both unilateral (p=0.003) and bilateral (p<0.001) procedures. Since 2016, unilateral procedures have been performed more frequently than bilateral procedures. Most procedures were associated with same-day (54.8%) or next-day (32%) discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.0045%. The total amount reimbursed was $20,693,437.94, corresponding to a mean value of $310.82 per procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgeries to treat chronic vein disease totaled 66,577 in 11 years, demanding $20,693,437.94 from the public health system. The majority of treated patients were female, over 40 years of age, and local residents. Procedure rates have increased over the years. The in-hospital mortality rate was very low (0.0045%).

Polidocanol-foam treatment of varicose veins: Quality-of-life impact compared to conventional surgery

“…Due to the high incidence of VVs, the number of surgeries for the treatment of VVs is substantial, reaching 80,000 per year in England and 70,000 per year in Brazil. 2 , 3 The conventional surgical approach is the most widely used treatment in clinical practice and yields excellent results, which is why it is the preferred method in the Brazilian public health system. Alternatives such as the injection of sclerosing substances and the use of LASER or radiofrequency ablative techniques are also available.…”

Impact of treatment of varicose veins with polidocanol foam compared to conventional surgery on quality of life

“…Due to its high prevalence, the number of surgeries for the treatment of VV is also high, reaching 80,000 per year in England and 70,000 per year in Brazil 2,3 . The conventional surgical approach is the most widely used treatment in clinical practice with excellent results, which is why this is the preferred method in the Brazilian public health system.…”