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Veins and Lymphatics 2012; volume 1:e1

[Veins and Lymphatics 2012; 1:e1] [page 1]

Veins and Lymphatics is taking
its first steps
Stefano Ricci 
Ambulatorio Flebologico "Ricci", Rome,
Italy

Veins represent an important field of medi-
cine. They are frequently involved in several
diseases with a very wide range of severity. At
one end of the spectrum, we have thrombosis
and post-thrombotic syndrome, while at the
other we have telangectasias, and a vast num-
ber of other conditions lie between these two
extremes. Varicose veins are not always
severe, but they affect an enormous number of
people, with a consequent social and econom-
ic burden to society. Lymphology is also an
important subject. Lymphatics play a role in
many human diseases but lymphedema is a
sort of Cinderella disease, neglected by
patients, doctors and health care administra-
tors. The name itself shows how little we know;
a description of the clinical manifestation has
been transformed into the name of the dis-
ease. Lymphedema is usually considered to be
an inevitable event, be it congenital or second-
ary. Its incidence is thought to be growing each
year, especially in poorer countries and in the
field of oncology. Lymphedema treatment is
mostly unsatisfactory and costs are high, while
patient adherence to treatment is low.
Few journals specialize in phlebology and

not all of them have a worldwide distribution.
Today, publication in print, although universal-
ly accepted, has many limitations compared to
the global communication opportunities of the
Internet, where the exchange of information is
almost in real time. Other prestigious journals
include phlebology as a niche subject and the

importance of this must be recognized given
the growing interest in veins. However, as this
specialization becomes increasingly refined
and socially important it demands a more inde-
pendent voice. There are even fewer journals
specializing in lymphology partly because of
the problems already set out above but also not
least because of the limited funds available. So
I strongly believe that there is definitely space
for not just one more journal, but for a forum
in which we can develop our common scientif-
ic interests.
It may take some time before V&L takes its

proper place beside those more established
and internationally recognized reference jour-
nals. However, we believe there is still space
for a cultural initiative such as the launch of a
new journal, while taking advantage of an
extremely powerful technological tool, the
Internet, and the attraction of a new format.
Naturally, it is up to us to do our job properly
with rigor and determination. But we also need
to keep our eyes open for new ideas. Our
Editorial Board is made up of many of the top
phlebologists and lymphologists in the field,
and they will supervise the project and guaran-
tee the highest scientific standards.
We have chosen to free ourselves from the

restraints of traditional publishing and have
chosen an online open access only format, a
format that in the scientific world offers many
important advantages:
• peer review
• immediate publication
• free access
• worldwide distribution and availability
• the possibility of using color figures, videos,
information linkage procedures. 
We welcome original articles, editorials,

reviews, short reports and case reports, as well
as invited commentaries. Debate and discus-
sion will be encouraged in a correspondence
section. In fact, sometimes letters are better

able to focus on conflicting aspects of a specif-
ic argument, especially when the Internet can
offer a simple and rapid exchange of ideas.
However, open access has a cost. In fact, the

advantage of complete and free availability of
ideas and experiences is only sustainable
through the authors’ participation in covering
the costs of processing and publishing their
articles. We intend to try to overcome this
problem with the help of sponsors willing to
support this project.
We are optimistic that, once we have a suf-

ficiently high number of articles being pre-
sented for publication, the journal can stand on
its own feet. At present, we are driven forward
by optimism, enthusiasm and confidence in
the participation and contribution of our many
friends and colleagues around the world. We
firmly believe this is a golden opportunity to
spread and share our experiences in the field
of phlebolymphology through an open access
journal. It will not be easy but we believe it is
time to rise to the challenge!
We warmly invite you to submit one or more

papers, taking also advantage of this unique
opportunity to share rapidly your work world-
wide and - last but not the least! - currently at
no cost.

Correspondence: Stefano Ricci, Ambulatorio
Flebologico "Ricci", Corso Trieste, 123 - Roma,
Italy.
E-mail: vandl@tiscali.it

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 3.0 License (by-nc 3.0).

©Copyright S. Ricci, 2012
Licensee PAGEPress, Italy
Veins and Lymphatics 2012; 1:e1
doi:10.4081/vl.2012.e1

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