An evaluation of the fluorescein test and phlebography in the detection of incompetent perforating veins

Abstract

A study has been made of the accuracy of clinical assessment, the fluorescein test, and phlebography in the localization of incompetent perforating veins using an extensive subfascial exploration as the method of assessing the results. Clinical assessment was found to be 48 per cent accurate, the fluorescein test 39 per cent accurate, and phlebography 69 per cent accurate. Although phlebography is the most useful investigation we do not feel that it can be used to restrict a full surgical exploration of the medial side of the leg. However, it is valuable in drawing attention to the presence of incompetent perforating veins on the lateral aspect of the legs which in this series occurred in I of every 2 patients.