In a specific indigent socioeconomic setting, the nonsurgical management of 65 patients with chronic leg ulcers resulted in 59 cures. There were 42 patients (67%) with postphlebitic syndrome. Twenty two patients (33%) had varicose veins (7 had postoperative vein stripping), 14 (22%) had deep-vein thrombosis and 11 (15%) had associated neurological problems. Fifty-six patients (86%) were treated with pressure dressings that were changed 1 .times./wk in an outpatient clinic, 7 patients wore skintight plaster casts for variable periods of time, and 2 patients had splitthickness skin grafts plus lumbar sympathectomies. In > 2/3 of the patients, the ulcers healed. In another 17 patients (26%), a satisfactory response to treatment was observed. In only 6 patients did therapy fail. Failures were attributed to the multiple medical and surgical problems of the patients or their lack of cooperation. Nonsurgical treatment of venous stasis ulcer is inexpensive and effective.