Abstract
It was 1989 and the journal Phlebology was a diminutive 17 × 24 cm publication instead of its present day relatively gargantuan 21 × 28 cm, and a truly scientific journal at that. The tectonic plates of history had moved. Ronald Reagan had spoken those famous four words to Mikhail Gorbachev, ‘Tear down this wall’.
A contemporaneous editorial in Phlebology was less momentous but also predicted the motion of tectonic plates. It was entitled, ‘Cinderella is coming to the Ball’. 1 Readers of the journal may have remained incredulous, but they certainly knew what Cinderella referred to. For a long time, phlebology, the treatment of venous disorders in general and varicose veins in particular, had been referred to as the ‘Cinderella’ of modern surgery.
Now, some 18 years later, as the Journal Phlebology has finally been approved for indexing in MEDLINE by the US National Library of Medicine; Cinderella is at the Ball and is being increasingly noticed. Indexing means a greater exposure; a greater impact factor for papers published in the Journal. It means that organizations dedicated to Phlebology and Phlebological issues can accept Phlebology as an official journal with pride. It means that this single, isolated English language journal dedicated to venous problems and venous disorders can grow and flourish as it disseminates the teaching of venous disease to an ever growing, ever increasingly interested professional throng.
What has happened to Phlebology since Cinderella arrived at the Ball, since the Wall came down? Well, many things. Most important to the long-term development of Phlebology is that its only English language journal has been approved by MEDLINE/Index Medicus. Now, important new papers need not be scattered over several, mostly arterial-vascular journals. Groups of papers from dedicated meetings can appear together. Phlebological science can move forward more rapidly. There is much to be learned, much to teach.
Just look at what has happened since Reagan spoke his four forceful words; since the Phlebology editorial stated that Cinderella was coming to the Ball: proximal Saphenous vein ligation as definitive treatment has virtually disappeared; endovenous techniques have overtaken stripping of the Saphenous vein; foam sclerotherapy, the first treatment to reduce the cost of medical care is becoming recognized as authentic; and new specialists are entering phlebology from all sides. These include such disparate specialists as General Practitioners and Cardiac Surgeons, such similar specialists as Radiologists and Interventional Endovascular surgeons. Indeed, Cinderella is at the Ball and increasing numbers of formerly disdainful guests are recognizing her.
Cinderella's pumpkin carriage is nowhere in sight and although the clock has not stopped, it is a long way to midnight.