[Transpopliteal phlebography in the diagnosis of chronic diseases of the veins of the lower extremities].

From experience in 98 studies the authors claim that transpopliteal phlebography yields information on the condition of the popliteal and the tibial veins and the ostial valve of the small saphenous vein in retrograde, and on the condition of the femoral vein in antegrade administration of the radiocontrast medium. It is indicated for patients suffering from varicosity in ectasia of the popliteal and tibial veins, as well as when the results of clinical tests for competence of the valves of the small saphenous vein are doubtful. The absence of visualization of the femoral vein in ascending distal or retrograde femoral phlebography in patients with congenital venous dysplasia or with phlebothrombosis sequelae is an indication for antegrade transpopliteal phlebography.