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Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals�No manuscripts�No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."
Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011
Dr. Shankar P.R.
"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."
Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011 Anuradha
Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.
Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020
Original article / research
Full Version
Study of Clinical Features and Management of Varicose Veins of Lower Limb
Correspondence Address :
Pramod Mirji
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Surgery,
SN Medical College and HSK Hospital,
Bagalkot, Karnataka, India-587101
Phone: 9743320104
E-mail: drmirji@indiatimes.com.
Varicose veins are a common condition that the current paper elaborates the features of the condition in a local Indian population.
Methodology: Over a two year period all admitted patients to a government tertiary level district hospital of varicose veins were evaluated for demographics ,clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome.
Results: This study reveals that the disease is more prevalent during the active adult life in their 3rd and 4th decades and males were more affected. The occupations needing prolonged standing and use of violent muscular efforts is found to be a contributing or precipitating factor for varicose veins. Hereditary factors may play an important role in the development of varicose veins. 25% of patients had a family history of varicose veins occurring in close relatives. Majority of patients presented to the hospital for complications of the disease (60%) rather than for cosmetic purposes. The commonest symptoms in the study were prominent swellings in the lower limb and pain. Majority of the patients had combined valvular incompetence (71%). The most common post-operative complication observed was wound infection (25%).
Surgery, Varicose, Limb swelling
INTRODUCTION
Varicose veins have always bothered mankind. These have been recognized as a chronic disorder since ancient times as their discussion is documented from the days of Hippocrates 2500 years ago. He observed that ‘it was better not to stand in the case of an ulcer on the leg’ with reference to varicose veins (1)(3),(4),(5),(6),(7). The condition, affected by man’s upright position and by gravitational forces, is wide spread, involving at least one out of five individuals in the world, hence making this a very common condition. 20% of the population suffers with varicose veins and 2% have skin changes that may precede venous ulceration (2). The term varicose is derived from Latin word varicous, which means dilated. Varicose veins are not only dilated veins but also tortuous and elongated, but physiologically speaking a varicose vein is one which permits reverse flow through its faulty valves. Varicose veins, though a common condition, many time remains asymptomatic. In the developed countries patients turn up to treatment, for cosmetic reasons, however in our Indian scenario it is the complications and not the cosmetic reasons that brings the patient to the doctor. In Indian scenario the disease is one of the common surgical problems in low socio-economic class people, which at times compel the patient to change his occupation which is very disturbing.
With continuing advances in methods of evaluating venous anatomy and haemodynamics the therapy for varicose veins is in a period of change.
OBJECTIVES
1. To study the age, sex, occupational distribution of varicose veins of lower limb. 2. To study the clinical manifestations of lower limb varicose veins. 3. To study the management of varicose veins of lower limbs at a tertiary Medical College Hospital and District Hospital in Sourthern India and to study the outcome.
METHODOLOGY
Source of Data In the present study the clinical material consists of all the patients admitted with varicose veins of lower limb in the Department of Surgery in a tertiary Medical College Hospital and District Hospital in Sourthern India.
Sample Size
Thirty two cases admitted and operated from all the surgical units during the period of July 2003 to June 2005 were studied.
Collection of Data
All the patients presenting with varicose veins of lower limb, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this study.
Inclusion Criteria
The inclusion criteria, being, patients presenting with symptomatic varicose veins, those patients presenting with complications of the disease such as pigmentation, eczema, ulceration, superficial thrombophlebitis, etc. and patients with cosmetic concern. The most specific criteria was patients with primary varicose veins of lower limb.
Exclusion Criteria
The patients who were treated on an outpatient basis were not included in the study. Patients with secondary varicose veins due to deep vein thrombosis and other causes of venous obstructionlike a mass per abdomen and pregnancy were also excluded.
So this study consisted of thirty two patients who met with these criteria. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before any investigation or intervention.
A thorough history was taken in all the patients. A detailed clinical examination was done. All the clinical tests were applied to arrive at a probable diagnosis. Then the patients were subjected to duplex ultrasonography to confirm the diagnosis. The routine investigations were also done. The patients underwent suitable treatment based on their clinical and investigational profile. The post-operative course was noted. Further the patients were followed up and final outcome evaluated. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical committee prior to conducting the study.
A total of 32 patients (35 No. of limbs) with primary varicose veins admitted, investigated, operated and followed-up are studied. Results are as follows:
Age Distribution
The youngest in the study was 20 years old and the eldest was 65 years(Table/Fig 1),(Table/Fig 2),(Table/Fig 3),(Table/Fig 4),(Table/Fig 5),(Table/Fig 6).
Sex Distribution
Only 25% (8) of the total patients in this study were females as compared to males who made 75% (24) of total cases.
Occupation
Out of 32 patients studied 26 patients in their occupation involved, either prolonged periods of standing or violent muscular efforts or both.
Family History of Varicose Veins
Out of 32 patients with varicose veins studied 8 patients had family history of varicose veins occurring in several members of same family.
Site of Incompetence
One patient underwent repeat surgery for residual varicosity. The surgery done was multiple subfascial ligation of the perforators which were unidentified at earlier surgery.
In the present study a total of 32 patients (35 limbs) with varicose veins, were admitted,(9),(10),(11) investigated, operated and followed up. The analysis of these results are as follows:
The age distribution as shown in (Table/Fig 10) shows majority of patients are between the age of 20 to 40 years. In this study they made 62.5%, which correlates well with study done by Lateef, which showed 65%. The youngest in this study was 20 years and the eldest was of 65 years. The age range in the present study is almost similar to study done by Khan B and Singh SM in their study.
In this present study of 32 patients of varicose veins 8 were females accounting to 25%, which is low compared to western studies quoted, study done by Vaidyanathan et al and studies done by Callam MJ (8). The female patients in this study mainly sought treatment for symptoms and complications rather than for cosmetic reason. The low incidence seen in present study is most probably due to less cosmetic concern in our Indian middle and lower class women.
The present study showed 81% of the patients had occupation history of prolonged standing, which suggests that occupation has a definite role as a causative or a contributing factor.
The occupation of these patients studied with respect to the area of work showed that varicose veins are more common among urban housewives, probably as a result of their habit of prolonged standing during work (Table/Fig 3).
Family History
Eight patients out of 32 patients (25%) had family history of close relatives suffering from varicose veins. The occurrence of varicose veins in several members of the same family suggests that hereditary factors may be important in causation of varicose veins. Works of many others like, Basle study, studies of Hirai, Mekkay and Colleagues, Prerovsky and study by Belcaro agree for positive family history in patients of varicose veins, but in all these studies(9) none of the relatives were assessed clinically, importance was given only to the history given by the patient (8).
Clinical Manifestation
Majority of the patients in this study reported to the hospital for some complications of the disease (60%) rather than for the treatment of the visible veins itself (40%). The most common symptom was pain with prominent veins which occurred alone or in combination with oedema, eczema, pigmentation or ulceration. It is evident that cosmetic purpose is not a factor which prompts the Indians to seek treatment for varicose veins as do those in the west (8).
The present study showed slightly increased incidence of varicosity on the left limb. This compares with the study conducted by AHM Dur, AJC Mackaay et al (9). The cause of increased incidence of left side is not known. The probable reason for increased incidence on left side is that the venous drainage of the left leg follows a more tortuous course through the pelvis, with left common ileac vein traversed by the right common ileac artery (8). The bilateral varicose veins were seen in 9.37% of patients.
The present study showed long saphenous system involvement in 90% of cases and in the study conducted by Al-Mulhim et al of Saudi Arabia, it was 68.42%. Both systems were involved in 6.25% of cases and isolated short saphenous vein was involved in 3.13% of cases.
Majority of patients in the present series were patients of CEAP class 2 and 3 which included patients presenting with only varicose veins and patients with limb oedema which is comparable to study done by Stuart WP series. The patients seeking medical help for uncomplicated varicose veins in present study were 40% (Table/Fig 7).
The patients with higher grade of clinical class of CEAP had combined valvular incompetence. All the patients with ulcer had perforator incompetence.
Site of Incompetence
Majority of the patients in the present study had incompetence at multiple sites. Almost 71% had combined saphenofemoral and perforator incompetence, followed by combined sapheno politeal and perforator incompetence in 5.7% (Table/Fig 8). Only isolated site incompetence was less commonly observed. Isolated perforator incompetence occurred in (8.57%) patients. Isolated saphenofemoral incompetence seen in 11.4% and isolated sapheno popliteal incompetence observed in 2.8% limbs. Perforator incompetence in total occurred in 30 limbs (87.6%).
Requirement of Duplex USG For Diagnosis
All the patients in the present study underwent duplex USG evaluation for confirmation of diagnosis. This investigation was required to accurately diagnose 4 cases of saphenofemoral incompetence, 1 case of saphenopopliteal incompetence and 8 cases of perforator incompetence (Table/Fig 9).
Treatment
Surgery was the mainstay of treatment. The surgical modality was selected on the basis of the age, severity and occupation of the patient. When complications like oedema, eczema and ulcer were present, conservative treatment was given with compression dressings, elevation of limb, antibiotics and other general supportive measures. Conservative therapy was continued till surgery was feasible. Various operative procedures either individually or in combination were used in all 32 patients of this study depending upon individual case.
Complications
Total complication rate observed during the post-operative period and follow-up was 34%. Most were managed conservatively. The incidence of sensory impairment following surgery was nil. This could be because the long segment stripping of saphenous vein whenever possible, was avoided, and our patients mostly villagers and workers may not have been able to notice slight change in sensation.
The varicose veins of lower limbs are a disease of younger age group, occurring more commonly during third and fourth decades of life. The occupations involving prolonged standing and violent muscular efforts are more prone for developing varicose veins. Family history is found to be another contributory factor. Majority of our patients presented with complications of varicose veins rather than the disease itself. Presence of prominent swellings in lower limb and pain were the commonest presenting symptoms. Duplex ultrasonography is the investigation of choice in the management of varicose veins. Combined valvular incompetence is more common than individual incompetence. Saphenofemoral junction flush ligation with multiple subfascial ligation of perforators was the commonest operation in our hospital. Other procedures were done with good results depending on the requirement of the case. The most common post-operative complication was wound infection.
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