Surgical Treatment of Leg Ulcers – patient information to assist informed consent
This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical treatment of leg ulcers. The different types of leg ulcers are discussed in detail, including venous ulcers, ischaemic ulcers, vasculitic ulcers and neuropathic ulcers. The diagnosis of leg ulcers is also discussed, and the advanced diagnostic tests described include: venous incompetence duplex scan, arterial duplex scan, angiogram and ulcer biopsy.
The surgical procedures for treatment of an ischemic ulcer described include:
- Angioplasty and stenting of an artery
- Arterial bypass surgery
The surgical procedures for treatment of a venous ulcer described include:
- Endovascular ablation
- Stripping
- Sclerotherapy
- Skin grafts
This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgical treatment as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. A comprehensive list of the possible complications of surgery is provided on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.
Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of leg ulcers is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.