Variability in the management of superficial venous thrombophlebitis among phlebologists and vascular surgeons

Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther. 2013 Jun;25(1-2):5-10. doi: 10.1177/1531003513506266. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare management patterns of patients with superficial venous thrombophlebitis (SVT) among phlebologists and vascular surgeons.

Methods: A survey was provided to practitioners who attended the American Venous Forum meeting in 2011. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, unpaired t tests, and Friedman's test for correlation.

Results: There were 354 US or Canadian health care providers of whom 169 were phlebologists and 185 were vascular surgeons. There was a significant different in anticoagulation administration and duration (P = .034, P = .032, respectively). Friedman's test for correlation between multiple surgical treatments showed no correlation between surgical treatments tested with all treatments having an equal distribution in our data. Follow-up differed between groups with vascular surgeons following up with imaging more than phlebologists (P = .03).

Conclusion: Our data indicate that there is no consensus between or among phlebologists or vascular surgeons as to the surgical management of superficial venous thrombophlebitis, duration of follow-up, and anticoagulation parameters.

Keywords: phlebologists; superficial venous thrombophlebitis; vascular surgeons.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Canada
  • Consensus
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Utilization Review
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Specialization*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
  • Thrombophlebitis / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants