Varicose veins : NICE guidance

This table provides concise guidance for primary care clinicians when they deal with patients suffering from varicose veins, covering information, treatment discussions, referrals, assessments, and management during pregnancy- based on guidance by NICE.

Information for People with Varicose Veins	- Explanation of varicose veins. - Possible causes. - Likelihood of progression and complications (deep vein thrombosis, skin changes, leg ulcers, bleeding, thrombophlebitis). - Treatment options. - Advice on weight management, physical activity, symptom triggers, and seeking medical help.
Discussing Treatment at Vascular Service	- Available treatment options. - Benefits and risks of each option. - Potential for new varicose veins post-treatment. - Possibility of requiring multiple sessions. - Higher recurrence risk for recurrent varicose veins.
Referral to Vascular Service	- Immediate referral for bleeding varicose veins. - Referral for symptomatic primary or recurrent varicose veins. - Referral for lower limb skin changes such as pigmentation or eczema,thought to be due to chronic venous insufficiency - superficial vein thrombosis - venous leg ulcer (a break in the skin below the knee that has not healed within 2 weeks ) - or healed venous leg ulcer.
Assessment	- Use of duplex ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment planning in suspected primary or...

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