The treatment of most leg ulcers is now fairly simple and
can often be performed under local anaesthetic.
The Specialists at the
Whiteley Clinic are experts at assessing patients and
sorting out those who can be cured and those who cannot.
Most patients that we see are able to be treated and
cured.
Treatment consists of:
-
Recognition there may be a
problem
-
Assessment by a Specialist
Vascular Surgeon
-
Special tests - usually
Duplex Ultrasound and often PPG
-
Discussion of the results
with patient
-
Surgery if possible (approx
60% of patients)
-
Long term compression in the
40% who cannot be helped
What should be avoided at
all costs:
-
Patients with leg ulcers
being condemned to dressings and compression
bandages/stockings without assessment by a Specialist
Vascular Surgeon (unless patient is immobile, has poor
ankle movement, is very unwell for any other reason or has
a very short life expectancy)
-
Patients with skin changes
at the ankle being given creams (particularly steroid
creams) before venous causes have been excluded by a
Specialist Vascular Surgeon
-
Patients with varicose veins
being told that it is a cosmetic problem only and to "wait
until there is a problem before having anything done"
-
Patients with skin changes
at the ankle or varicose veins being given long term
support stockings without a cause being found and the
possibility of a cure being offered.
If you, or someone you know, has a leg ulcer or one of the
conditions outlined in this website that leads to leg
ulcers, please contact us using the contact information in
this website so that we can assess you or the patient and
give you the best possible medical advice on how best to
try to achieve a cure.
