§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of the adult population suffering from varicose veins; and if he will make a statement. [16336]
§ Mr. BoatengInformation on the prevalence of varicose veins in the population is not available. The information in the table shows the number of completed episodes in 1994–95, the latest year for which information is available, in which an operation was carried out on varicose vein of the leg. Many people with varicose veins are treated without the need for surgery or any other invasive procedure.
Ordinary admissions and day cases: completed episodes with an operation or procedure performed on varicose veins: NHS hospitals in England 1994–95 Age at start of episode Operation 18 and over Not known Under 18 L85.1 Litigation of long saphenous vein 36,857 6 70 L86.1 Injection of sclerosing substance into varicose vein of leg 2,435 1 5 L87.1 Stripping of long saphenous vein 15,211 1 24 L87.4 Avulsion of varicose vein of leg 46,233 7 119