MethodsCost

• UK Office for National Statistics, Bonn Vein Study, Health economic analyses

Prevalence data•Bonn Vein Study

Population data•Hospital Episode Statistics, 2002 - 2010

H M Moore, T R A Lane, I J Franklin, A H DaviesAcademic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK

ConclusionThere is a large discrepancy between the different Healthcare Authorities in the UK in the way in which varicose veins are treated. Overall in the UK, superficial venous disease is undertreated when compared to the predicted number of procedures that should be performed. Further analyses are needed to determine the long term financial impact of this.

ReferencesPhillips, T., et al., A study of the impact of leg ulcers on quality of life: financial, social, and psychologic implications. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1994. 31(1): p. 49-5Abenhaim, L. and X. Kurz, The VEINES study (VEnous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study): an international cohort study on chronic venous disorders of the leg. VEINES Group. Angiology, 1997. 48(1): p. 59-66HES Online. 08/11/2011]; National statistical data warehouse]. Available from: http://www.hesonline.nhs.uk.UK Office for National Statistics. 08/11/2011]; Available from: http://www.statistics.gov.uk.

Introduction

Why do we treat varicose veins?

• To improve patients quality of life• To alleviate depression• To prevent complications of venous disease including

venous ulcerationAim•To analyse the treatment of varicose veins and assess whether there

is a disparity between UK health authorities

The number of varicose vein procedures performed in the UK

Results

A UK Disparity in the Treatment of Patients with Varicose Veins has been Identified

Year UK

Total procedures Procedures per million population

2002 43,333 696

2004 35,658 572

2006 35,359 567

2008 36,372 584

2010 33,182 533 -25%

Rabe, E., et al., Bonner Venenstudie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie - Epidemiologische Untersuchung zur Frage der Häufigkeit und Ausprägung von chronischen Venenkrankheiten in der städtischen und ländlichen Wohnbevölkerung. Phlebologie, 2003. 32: p. 1-14.

National Institute of Clinical Excellence Guidelines. 08/11/2011]; Available from: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG/Wave24/11.

% C2-C6 disease treated in each Health Authority in the UK

All patients with C2-C6 disease treated

All patients with C2-C6 disease NOT treated

% of patients with C2-C6 disease treated compared with the predicted number of varicose vein procedures required for each health authority

The number of procedures per million population in each Health Authority ranged from:In 2002: 394 in Somerset to 2228 in WolverhamptonIn 2010: 122 in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton to 2138 in Sunderland