einstein (São Paulo). 01/Jul/2011;9(3):377-85.
Treatment of varicose ulcer of the lower limbs by surgery and Unna boot: savings for the Brazilian healthcare system
DOI: 10.1590/S1679-45082011GS1984
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To perform an analysis of the costs of treatment of varicose ulcers by radical surgery of varices and the use of Unna boot.
Methods:
Fifteen outpatients were selected to receive treatment of varicose ulcers with radical surgery and Unna boot. The total cost of treatment was calculated (hospitalization, surgery, dressings, and outpatient’s follow-up visits) and compared to the cost of clinical follow-up with daily simple dressing changes.
Results:
The proposed treatment was on average 55.71% more economical than the management with daily dressings (approximately US$452.32 versus US$1,021.39).
Conclusion:
Radical varicose vein surgery associated with the use of the Unna boot proved meaningly less expensive for the public health system than clinical follow-up with daily dressings.
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