Patch Interposition Research Articles

Surgery for Recurrent Sapheno-Femoral Incompetence Using Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch Interposition in Front of the Femoral Vein: Long-Term Outcome in 119 Extremities

Objective: To assess the long-term results of re-do surgery for recurrent varicose veins using polytetrafluoroethylene patch interposition to correct a recurrent varico-femoral junction (RVFJ). Methods: In 170 extremities (137 patients) with RVFJ greater than 3 mm in diameter, re-do surgery was done with patch interposition and without extensive resection of neovascularisation. Follow-up data based on physical and ultrasound examinations were obtained for 119 of these extremities (100 patients). Setting: Private-practice vascular surgery centre. Results: At follow-up (mean 4.9 years), 5 extremities (4.2%) had another RVFJ. In the 114 extremities with no RVFJ, 27.7% had no varicose veins or incompetent superficial veins, 45.3% had several small varicose veins without reflux, and 22.6% had diffused varicose veins and a new site of incompetence between the deep and superficial venous system. Conclusions: Re-do surgery using patch interposition lowers the long-term risk of another RVFJ. Wide resection of neovascularisation in the groin seems unnecessary.

Surgery for Recurrent Sapheno-Femoral Incompetence Using Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch Interposition in Front of the Femoral Vein: Long-Term Outcome in 119 Extremities

Objective: To assess the long-term results of re-do surgery for recurrent varicose veins using polytetrafluoroethylene patch interposition to correct a recurrent varico-femoral junction (RVFJ). Methods: In 170 extremities (137 patients) with RVFJ greater than 3 mm in diameter, re-do surgery was done with patch interposition and without extensive resection of neovascularisation. Follow-up data based on physical and ultrasound examinations were obtained for 119 of these extremities (100 patients). Setting: Private-practice vascular surgery centre. Results: At follow-up (mean 4.9 years), 5 extremities (4.2%) had another RVFJ. In the 114 extremities with no RVFJ, 27.7% had no varicose veins or incompetent superficial veins, 45.3% had several small varicose veins without reflux, and 22.6% had diffused varicose veins and a new site of incompetence between the deep and superficial venous system. Conclusions: Re-do surgery using patch interposition lowers the long-term risk of another RVFJ. Wide resection of neovascularisation in the groin seems unnecessary.

Simplified Surgical Approach to Bladder Outlet Obstruction Following Pubovaginal Sling

We report a new technique of vaginal patch interposition to relieve bladder outlet obstruction after a suburethral sling procedure when the obstruction is caused by over correction of the urethrovesical angle. In this technique the sling is incised longitudinally in the midline and dissected laterally. A vaginal patch is obtained from the vaginal mucosa, then interposed and sutured between the 2 cut edges of the sling. This method is characterized by simplicity and low morbidity, while preserving the integrity of the suburethral sling to maintain continence.