The results of a combined dermatological and surgical treatment of varicose ulcers was studied in 100 patients. This chronic disease, often persisting for decades, was halted in 90 percent of leg operated upon. Even when the general outcome of the treatment was favourable, it was found that, for 5 out of the 12 ulcers which were the same or larger in size at follow-up than before operation, the patient assessed the result as good or even excellent. This finding deserves further study. It indicates that patients and physicians sometimes use different standards by which to measure therapeutic success.