Varicose veins as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism in arthroplasty patients: Meta-analysis.

Varicose veins and lower limb arthroplasty are known independent risk factors for VTE. There is a paucity of data regarding the risk of VTE in patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty who have co-existing varicose veins. This meta-analysis shows that patients with varicose veins are at an increased risk of VTE when undergoing major lower limb arthroplasty. Further studies are required in order to determine if such patients should undergo varicose vein surgery before undertaking major lower limb joint replacement.