Minimally invasive Ayurveda management of recurrent and acute-on-chronic non-healing venous leg ulceration – a Case Report

Abstract

Slow healing and recurrent venous leg ulcers resulting from varicose veins due to lower limb chronic venous insufficiency are common vascular complications. If left untreated, they may lead to severe outcomes such as hemorrhage and, in extreme cases, limb amputation.

We report the case of a 61-year-old male with bilateral lower limb varicosities of 10 years’ duration, presenting with multiple painful venous leg ulcers that recurred several months after phlebectomy due to patient non-compliance. Physical examination revealed exquisitely tender, exudative, irregular-bordered, multiple shallow ulcers with sloping edges and a putrid odor. The surrounding tissue was oedematous and indurated, predominantly involving the areas in and around the ankle joints. Aerobic wound swab culture showed heavy growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus hauseri, with moderate growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

One month of Ayurvedic intervention employing vrana sodhana and vrana ropana cikitsa resulted in accelerated wound healing in recurrent, acute-on-chronic, non-healing venous leg ulcerations.