The injection treatment of varicose veins in a state hospital

Summary

• 1. Forty-two patients with varicose veins were treated by the injection method.

• 2. The injection technique is a relatively simple procedure.

• 3. Seven of eight ulcers treated healed over completely, and it was felt that by treatment of the larger veins new ulcer formation was prevented.

• 4. Patients with edema and eczema showed improvement.

• 5. Sloughs and reactions were rare and there were no serious complications.

• 6. Sodium morrhuate was the solution of choice because of the excellent results obtained with it, the small amount of solution necessary, and the ease of administration.

• 7. Recurrences are infrequent and should not be confused with the formation of other, new varicose veins.

• 8. Some patients showed an increased ability to adjust in the hospital, with elimination of disfiguring veins and relief from pain and fatigue.

• 9. Transference is more easily established between patient and physician by attention to the patient's physical disabilities, including those of lesser severity.

• 10. Because of the multiplicity of etiologic factors in the production of many psychoses, the removal of even a minor one is a step toward restoration of normalcy.