Saphenofemoral Ligation Research Articles

Changes in venous hemodynamics after superficial vein surgery for mixed superficial and deep venous insufficiency.

The purpose of this study was to determine the hemodynamic changes after superficial vein surgery in patients with mixed superficial and deep venous insufficiency (MVI). Between July 1996 and June 1998, all patients with MVI together with saphenofemoral reflux were evaluated prospectively with air plethysmography (APG) and duplex scanning before and 1 month after superficial vein surgery. Saphenofemoral flush ligation without stripping was performed with multiple small incisions for avulsion of varicosities. Seventy-eight patients with 102 operated limbs were included for analysis. The venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) improved significantly after superficial vein surgery (mean VFI 5.99 +/- 3.39 vs. 1.82 +/- 1.21 ml/s, p < 0.001; mean EF 48.39% +/- 11.74% vs. 52.78% +/- 14.33%, p < 0.05; mean RVF 49.80% +/- 11.18% vs. 36.19% +/- 12.98%, p < 0.001, respectively, before and after operation). The proportion of limbs with deep venous incompetence on duplex scanning at more than one site decreased from 70% to 44% after operation. The mean number of sites with deep venous incompetence decreased from 2.14 +/- 0.96 to 1.52 +/- 1.21 after operation (p < 0.001). In conclusion, superficial vein surgery resulted in significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters in limbs with MVI. There was also abolition of deep venous reflux after superficial vein surgery alone. Superficial vein surgery should be the first line of treatment in limbs with MVI, with deep vein reconstructive surgery reserved for those not responding to superficial vein surgery.

Recurrent varicose veins. Surgical procedure--results

We report 96 patients (107 legs) with recurrence after varicose vein surgery. We define a recurrent varicose vein as a new transfascial insufficiency after incomplete interruption of the saphenofemoral as well as popliteal junction with reflux in the epifascial venous system. 92 patients underwent external primary surgery. Morphologically an insufficient high ligation of the V. saphena magna (Moszkowicz's operation) led in 30 cases to a recurrent varicose vein. In 47 cases an incomplete isolated, in 29 cases an incomplete saphenofemoral ligation during a Babcock procedure and in one case an incomplete saphenopopliteal ligation for V. saphena parva insufficiency were the reasons for the recurrence. As recurrent surgery we performed 106 ligations of the saphenofemoral junction. In 38 of these cases an isolated saphenofemoral ligation and in 68 cases an additional stage-adjusted ligation of the V. saphena magna were carried out. In one case of recurrent saphenopopliteal insufficiency a repeated ligation of the V. saphena parva was performed. The recurrence is an avoidable complication of a not perfect primary surgery. The main cause is an inadequate access with incomplete saphenofemoral or -popliteal ligation.

Surgical Management of Leg Ulcers Associated with Pulsatile Varicose Veins and Tricuspid Regurgitation

Design: Case report. Setting: Vascular Surgery Department, Hull Royal Infirmary, UK. Patients: A 79-year-old man with a history of right leg ulcer and pulsatile veins. Investigations and interventions: Clinical examination revealed findings of tricuspid regurgitation. Investigations included duplex scans, CT scan, arteriography and both trans-thoracic and trans-oesophageal echocardio-graphy. These all proved inconclusive. High sapheno-femoral ligation and stripping of long saphenous vein ligation procedure resulted in healing of his ulcers within six months Conclusion: Pulsatile veins in the leg may be due to tricuspid regurgitation or AV malformation. Echocardiogram, duplex scan and angiograms can help to differentiate between the two diagnoses. In this case, the above investigations were misleading and clinical examination here played the key role.

Feasibility of day case varicose vein surgery in a district general hospital.

Day case surgery may reduce inpatient bed requirements, and varicose surgery may be an ideal operation to test the functioning of a day surgery service. To evaluate retrospectively the feasibility of day case varicose vein surgery in all-comers, and to identify the risk factors for admission. Over a three-year period from July 1995 to July 1998, all patients requiring varicose vein surgery had their procedure performed as a day case. A standard technique of sapheno-femoral ligation with below-knee stripping of the long saphenous vein and multiple stab avulsions of varicosities was performed. All limbs were dressed with wool in crepe bandage and were reviewed post-operatively at six weeks. Five hundred and forty two patients underwent varicose vein surgery, of whom 26% had bilateral varicose veins, 88% had primary varicose veins and 22% had recurrent disease. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in 86% of cases and under spinal anaesthesia in the rest. There was no peri-operative mortality. Ten patients (1.9%) developed post-operative complications. Seventy two per cent of patients were discharged on the day of surgery, a further 25% required admission for one night due to minor anaesthetic complications and patient preference. Four per cent required admission for more than 24 hours. The need for overnight admission was associated with the age of the patients (p < 0.0001), bilateral varicose vein surgery (p < 0.005) and the use of spinal anaesthesia (p < 0.01). Although varicose vein surgery is safe, acceptable and cost-effective as a day case procedure, if attempted in all-comers, overnight admission will be required in a significant proportion. Pre-operative selection is advised.

Recurrent varicose veins: patterns of reflux and clinical severity

Duplex scanning was used to determine patterns of recurrent varicose veins in 264 limbs and to relate these to clinical factors. All limbs had previously undergone sapheno-femoral ligation in the groin. A recurrent sapheno-femoral junction was present in 172 (65.2%). Incompetence was found in long or short saphenous veins in 232 limbs (87.9%), perforators in 176 (66.7%), and deep veins in 156 (59.1%). Residual long saphenous veins were present in 43.4% and 73.6% of limbs that were with and without stripped long saphenous veins, respectively. An incompetent thigh perforator was present in 14.0% and 15.3% of these two groups, respectively. Multiple sites of incompetence were observed in the majority (75.4%). In general, no particular reflux pattern in the groin was related to an increased incidence of ulceration. However, ulceration was more frequent in limbs with deep reflux to knee or below-knee levels. None of those with isolated reflux in the groin that was unrelated to the common femoral vein had ulceration. The pattern of reflux was unrelated to striping or non-striping of the long saphenous veins and the time since initial surgery. A history of deep vein thrombosis was invariably associated with some degree of deep reflux. A system of recurrent patterns in the groin is described for the purpose of surgical audit. In 15.1%, recurrence was attributed with some confidence to inadequate surgery. These results indicate that the pattern of recurrence is highly variable and often with multiple sites of incompetence. In a few instances, the pattern of recurrence was associated with specific clinical factors. A full work-up including duplex scanning is recommended.

Recurrent Varicose Veins: Patterns of Reflux and Clinical Severity

Duplex scanning was used to determine patterns of recurrent varicose veins in 264 limbs and to relate these to clinical factors. All limbs had previously undergone sapheno-femoral ligation in the groin. A recurrent sapheno-femoral junction was present in 172 (65.2%). Incompetence was found in long or short saphenous veins in 232 limbs (87.9%), perforators in 176 (66.7%). and deep veins in 156 (59.1%). Residual long saphenous veins were present in 43.4% and 73.6% of limbs that were with and without stripped long saphenous veins, respectively. An incompetent thigh perforator was present in 14.0% and 15.3% of these two groups, respectively. Multiple sites of incompetence were observed in the majority (75.4%). In general, no particular reflux pattern in the groin was related to an increased incidence of ulceration. However, ulceration was more frequent in limbs with deep reflux to knee or below-knee levels. None of those with isolated reflux in the groin that was unrelated to the common femoral vein had ulceration. The pattern of reflux was unrelated to striping or non-striping of the long saphenous veins and the time since initial surgery. A history of deep vein thrombosis was invariably associated with some degree of deep reflux. A system of recurrent patterns in the groin is described for the purpose of surgical audit. In 15.1%, recurrence was attributed with some confidence to inadequate surgery. These results indicate that the pattern of recurrence is highly variable and often with multiple sites of incompetence. In a few instances, the pattern of recurrence was associated with specific clinical factors. A full work-up including duplex scanning is recommended.

Stripping the long saphenous vein reduces the rate of reoperation for recurrent varicose veins: Five-year results of a randomized trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible long-term clinical advantages of stripping the long saphenous vein during routine primary varicose vein surgery. Methods: The study was designed as a 5-year, clinical and duplex scan follow-up examination of a group of patients who were randomized to stripping of the long saphenous vein during varicose vein surgery versus saphenofemoral ligation alone. The study was conducted in the vascular unit of a district general hospital. One hundred patients (133 legs) with uncomplicated primary long saphenous varicose veins originally were randomized. After invitation 5 years later, 78 patients (110 legs) underwent clinical review and duplex scan imaging. Results: Sixty-five patients remained pleased with the results of their surgery (35 of 39 stripped vs 30 of 39 ligated; P = .13). Reoperation, either done or awaited, for recurrent long saphenous veins was necessary for three of 52 of the legs that underwent stripping versus 12 of 58 ligated legs. The relative risk was 0.28, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.13 to 0.59 ( P = .02). Neovascularization at the saphenofemoral junction was responsible for 10 of 12 recurrent veins that underwent reoperation and also was the cause of recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence in 12 of 52 stripped veins versus 30 of 58 ligated legs. The relative risk was 0.45, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.26 to 0.78 ( P = .002). Conclusion: Stripping reduced the risk of reoperation by two thirds after 5 years and should be routine for primary long saphenous varicose veins. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:589-92.)

Saphenous surgery does not correct perforator incompetence in the presence of deep venous reflux

Purpose: To determine which patients require subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) in addition to saphenous surgery to correct pathologic outward flow within incompetent medial calf perforating veins (IPVs). Methods: Sixty-two limbs of 47 patients undergoing sapheno-femoral ligation, stripping of the long saphenous vein in the thigh, and multiple phlebectomies (n = 51), sapheno-popliteal ligation and multiple phlebectomies (n = 10), or both (n = 1) were examined with color flow duplex ultrasound scan immediately before and a median of 14 weeks (range, 6 to 26 weeks) after the operations. Indications for surgery were varicose veins (n = 47, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic grades C 2&3), skin changes (n = 5, C 4), and ulceration (n = 10, C 5). Results: Surgery resulted in a significant reduction in the total number of limbs in which IPVs were imaged (40/62 or 65% preoperatively vs 23/62 or 37% postoperatively, P <.01, χ 2 test), a significant reduction in the proportion of perforators imaged that were incompetent (68/130 or 52% preoperatively vs 34/120 or 28% postoperatively, P <.01, χ 2 test), and a reduction in median IPV diameter (4 mm, with a range of 1 to 11 mm preoperatively, vs 3, with a range of 1 to 8 mm postoperatively, P <.01, Mann-Whitney U test). IPVs remained in 8 of 41 (20%) limbs in which main stem reflux was abolished, compared with 15 of 21 (72%) limbs in which superficial or deep reflux remained ( P <.01, χ 2 test). Conclusion: Eradication of main stem saphenous reflux corrects IPV reflux in most cases in which reflux is confined to the superficial system. However, in patients with superficial reflux that persists postoperatively, or when there is coexistent deep venous reflux, saphenous surgery alone fails to correct IPVs reflux. In these circumstances, the only way of reliably correcting pathologic outward flow in medial calf perforating veins is to perform SEPS. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:834-8.)

Clinicopathological evidence that neovascularisation is a cause of recurrent varicose veins

Recurrent varicose veins may result from poor initial surgical technique or progression of varicosities in collateral veins. In some cases new veins may develop at the saphenofemoral junction (neovascularisation) and cause recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence. This was a histological study of recurrent varicose veins. This clinicopathological study included 20 patients (median age 55 years) who had surgery for recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence. A total of 28 legs had groin re-exploration with repeat flush saphenofemoral ligation. The venous tissue block from the saphenofemoral region (including the proximal thigh varicosity) was excised and orientated for histological analysis. Evidence of neovascularisation was sought using routine histological sections and S100 immunohistochemistry. At operation, thin-walled, serpentine neovascular veins were detected clinically as the principal cause of recurrence in 19 groins. In five groins recurrence was due to a residual missed vein at the saphenofemoral junction, and in four recurrence was caused by cross groin collaterals. On histological sections, evidence of neovascularisation was present in 27 of 28 groins. In eight it co-existed with the veins missed at the original operation but it was the sole identified cause of recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence in 19 (68%) groins. Neovascularisation was the principal cause of recurrent saphenofemoral incompetence in this series.

Combined high ligation and stab avulsion for varicose veins in an outpatient setting.

In recent years, the transition from radical surgery for the treatment of primary varicose veins has been modified from the previously described high ligation with complete stripping of the greater or lesser saphenous vein. The purpose of the herewith-described technique is to present a less invasive technique that incorporates saphenofemoral ligation with hook avulsion of branch varicosities. Sapheno-femoral ligation with hook avulsion of branch varicosities is carried out under local anesthesia utilizing the tumescent technique with dissection, ligation, and division of the greater saphenous vein and its tributaries. The hook avulsion procedure removes residual diseased venous segments. Patients treated by this combined ligation-hook avulsion approach achieve excellent functional and clinical results associated with a minimal side effect profile. Combined flush sapheno-femoral ligation of normal saphenous veins (< 8 mm in diameter) and hook avulsion of branch tributaries produces excellent functional and cosmetic results with minimal morbidity.

Prevention of Sapheno-Femoral and Sapheno-Popliteal Recurrence of Varicose Veins by Forming a Partition to Contain Neovascularization

Objective: To test the hypothesis that sapheno-femoral recurrence of varicose veins may be prevented by containment of neovascularization. Design: Prospective minimum 4-year follow-up by surgical exploration and morphological examination of recurrent vessels in all limbs with clinical or phlebographic evidence of sapheno-femoral recurrence. Setting: Varicose vein clinic of a teaching hospital. Interventions: Sapheno-femoral ligation and multiple ligation (group 1); sapheno-femoral ligation, interposition of cribriform fascia and multiple ligation (group 2); sapheno-femoral ligation, interposition of artificial implant and stripping (group 3). Main outcome measures: Incidence of sapheno-femoral recurrence. Results: The incidence of sapheno-femoral recurrence through neovascularization was lower ( p &lt; 0.001) in groups 2 and 3 after containment of neovascularization at the sapheno-femoral junction by cribriform fascia or artificial implant than in group 1 after ligation alone (3% and 1% vs 25%, respectively). The incidence of recurrent or persistent varices distal to the groin was lower ( p &lt; 0.001) after stripping (group 3, 57%) than after multiple ligation (group 1, 93%; group 2, 81%). Conclusions: Sapheno-femoral ligation, interposition of cribriform fascia or artificial implant at the sapheno-femoral junction, and stripping is a more effective treatment of varicose veins than sapheno-femoral ligation and multiple ligation.

Preliminary Results of PTFE Patch Saphenoplasty to Prevent Neovascularization Leading to Recurrent Varicose Veins

Objective: Recurrence is common after varicose vein surgery. Neovascularization may be one cause of recurrent veins. This was a study of PTFE patch saphenoplasty to try and prevent recurrent veins. Design and setting: Prospective cohort study of patients treated in a vascular surgical unit. Patients and interventions: Fifty patients having surgery for symptomatic long saphenous varicose veins (66 legs, 51 primary and 15 recurrent veins) had a PTFE patch sutured over the saphenous opening after flush saphenofemoral ligation. Main outcome measures: The rate of varicose vein recurrence and neovascularization 1 year after surgery were determined using clinical examination and venous duplex imaging. Results: Forty patients (80%) remained pleased with the results of their surgery. Recurrent veins were visible in 14 (21%) legs: 10 were principally due to neovascularization, two to sapheno-popliteal incompetence and two to an incompetent mid-thigh perforating vein. Three other legs had neovascularization but no recurrent veins. Both recurrent veins (47% versus 14%) and neovascularization (40% versus 14%) were significantly more common in patients having surgery for recurrent veins. Conclusions: PTFE patching was safe but did not abolish neovascularization. Neovascularization was the principal cause of recurrent veins in this study and perseverance with investigations into other barrier methods is worthwhile.

Neovascularization in Recurrent Sapheno-Femoral Incompetence of Varicose Veins: Surgical Anatomy and Morphology

Objective: To investigate the surgical anatomy and morphology of recurrent sapheno-femoral incompetence after correctly performed sapheno-femoral ligation. To test the hypothesis that such recurrence develops through neovascularization. Design: Prospective study of single patient group. Setting: Varicose vein clinic of teaching hospital. Patients: One hundred and twenty-eight patients (141 limbs) were reviewed 4 or more years after accurately performed sapheno-femoral ligation with catgut, silk or tantalum wire. Intervention: Clinical assessment, phlebography, surgical exploration and examination of recurrent veins by radiographic and histological methods. Main outcome measures: Presence of reflux through newly formed veins at the site of previous ligation. Results: Of 141 limbs, clinical or phlebographic evidence of sapheno-femoral recurrence was confirmed in 35 of 37 on surgical exploration. The continuity of the saphenous vein with the previously ligated sapheno-femoral junction was restored through a newly formed vein or complex of veins. Conclusions: Neovascularization was the cause of recurrent sapheno-femoral incompetence after correctly performed sapheno-femoral ligation.

Flush saphenofemoral ligation and multiple stab phlebectomy preserve a useful greater saphenous vein four years after surgery.

Flush saphenofemoral ligation, with multiple cosmetic stab phlebectomy, successfully treats saphenofemoral reflux and superficial varicosities. The long-term effect on the residual greater saphenous vein (GSV) requires evaluation. Noninvasive triplex ultrasound assessment of the residual GSV for potential use as a vein graft was used. We evaluated the independent objective and subjective cosmetic outcomes. We also used analysis to determine the correlation between GSV reflux, symptoms, and cosmetic outcome. Seventy-two limbs were assessed at a median follow-up of 4 years (interquartile range 3 to 5 years). Fifty-nine limbs had patent GSVs above and below the knee. The mean length patent was 51 cm, and the mean internal diameters above and below the knee were 3.6 and 2.8 mm, respectively. In 65% of cases the vein had suitable ultrasonic characteristics, suggesting that it would be suitable for use as a conduit for a vascular bypass graft. Sixty-two limbs were considered a symptomatic success and 61 an objective cosmetic success. There was no correlation between the symptomatic and cosmetic outcome and the presence of superficial GSV reflux (linear regression analysis). These findings support the effectiveness of the procedure of flush saphenofemoral ligation and multiple stab phlebectomy with regard to cosmetic and symptomatic outcome and may preserve the GSV for use as an autologous bypass graft.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency in a Chinese Population: An Anatomic and Functional Study by Continuous-Wave Doppler and Photoplethysmography

A total of 1583 limbs in 878 patients who presented with symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs were examined in the vascular laboratory. The anatomic distribution of valvular insufficiency was determined by continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound and functional severity was determined by the venous refilling time (VRT) using photoplethysmography. Severity of reflux was assessed using a four-class grading scale (classes 0 to 3) based on clinical and VRT criteria. A mixed incompetence of the valves in the superficial system and the perforators was encountered in the majority of patients (44% in class 0 and 85% in class 3). Deep vein incompetence was less common and usually consisted of isolated proximal incompetence of the common femoral vein (up to 32% in class 3) or was of a mixed type (21% in class 3). Isolated distal deep vein incompetence was uncommon. Proximal femoral vein incompetence and superficial system incompetence at the saphenofemoral junction were associated with severe reflux. There was significant improvement in the VRT in patients with more severe reflux (class 2 or 3) after application of an ankle tourniquet. Symptoms of moderate to severe chronic venous insufficiency and ankle ulceration may be a result of long-standing superficial system incompetence rather than deep venous disease and may thus be amendable to simple saphenofemoral ligation and interruption of perforators.

The early morbidity of varicose vein surgery

The early outcome and morbidity associated with varicose vein surgery were assessed at six months post operation by postal questionnaire. Most cases underwent sapheno-femoral ligation, above-knee stripping of the long saphenous vein and multiple stab avulsions. A 73.8% response rate resulted in 155 replies, and revealed a high incidence (65.8%) of perceived complications within the first two weeks after surgery. The commonest of these were bruising, pain and numbness. Over a third of patients consulted their general practitioner (GP) postoperatively. Half of these required further management or treatment and the rest, reassurance alone. At six months 79.4% were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery, although some still claimed problems with residual veins, skin discoloration, numbness, and ankle or foot discoloration. Eleven percent were referred to hospital for further opinion, mostly because of perceived residual varicose veins. The difference between residual and recurrent varicose veins is discussed. No patient felt that the standard 2.5 day admission was too long, and 12.9% thought it too short. Day case surgery is not a popular option in this population group. Despite high satisfaction rates, there is a considerable morbidity attached to varicose vein surgery. We believe that good pre- and perioperative communication, augmented by a comprehensive information sheet, is important to prepare patients for those postoperative problems and thus reduces their perceived importance.

An assessment of the long saphenous vein for potential use as a vascular conduit after varicose vein surgery

Purpose: There is controversy in the surgical management of varicose veins between stripping of the long saphenous vein (LSV) and high ligation.1 Moreover, preservation of the LSV is desirable for future coronary or peripheral artery bypass. We have studied 75 limbs in 44 patients after high saphenous ligation with multiple stab phlebectomy.Methods: Subjective assessment of the outcome of surgery was made with a linear analog scale, and objective cosmetic outcome was assessed by an independent observer (LF) who had not been involved in the surgical treatment of these patients with our modification from the criteria first described by Jakobsen.2 Patency, length, and diameter of the LSV was measured 6 to 14 months (mean 12 months) after operation with a duplex scanner and a color-flow scanner. Valvular incompetence in the LSV and perforators was also assessed.Results: Results show a good subjective and objective outcome in 95% and 97% of limbs, respectively. The LSVs were patent from ankle to groin in 68% and from ankle to knee in 82%, with a mean diameter of 4.0 ± 0.1 mm (mean ± SEM). There was no statistically significant difference in symptomatic outcome and presence of reflux in the LSV (X2 = 0.465; p = 0.4954; NS) or objective cosmetic outcome and the presence of reflux in the LSV (X2 = 2.916; p = 0.0877; NS).Conclusions: It is concluded that high saphenofemoral ligation combined with multiple “stab avulsions” preserves an LSV with characteristics suggesting suitability for future use as a vascular prosthesis with good early symptomatic and cosmetic results.

An assessment of the long saphenous vein for potential use as a vascular conduit after varicose vein surgery

There is controversy in the surgical management of varicose veins between stripping of the long saphenous vein (LSV) and high ligation. Moreover, preservation of the LSV is desirable for future coronary or peripheral artery bypass. We have studied 75 limbs in 44 patients after high saphenous ligation with multiple stab phlebectomy. Subjective assessment of the outcome of surgery was made with a linear analog scale, and objective cosmetic outcome was assessed by an independent observer (LF) who had not been involved in the surgical treatment of these patients with our modification from the criteria first described by Jakobsen. Patency, length, and diameter of the LSV was measured 6 to 14 months (mean 12 months) after operation with a duplex scanner and a color-flow scanner. Valvular incompetence in the LSV and perforators was also assessed. Results show a good subjective and objective outcome in 95% and 97% of limbs, respectively. The LSVs were patent from ankle to groin in 68% and from ankle to knee in 82%, with a mean diameter of 4.0 +/- 0.1 mm (mean +/- SEM). There was no statistically significant difference in symptomatic outcome and presence of reflux in the LSV (X2 = 0.465; p = 0.4954; NS) or objective cosmetic outcome and the presence of reflux in the LSV (chi 2 = 2.916; p = 0.0877; NS). It is concluded that high saphenofemoral ligation combined with multiple "stab avulsions" preserves an LSV with characteristics suggesting suitability for future use as a vascular prosthesis with good early symptomatic and cosmetic results.

A Double-Blind Clinical Trial of the Efficacy and Tolerability of O-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutosides and Compression Stockings in the Treatment of Leg Oedema and Symptoms following Surgery for Varicose Veins

Objective: To study the efficacy and tolerability of O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) and compression stockings in the treatment of leg oedema and symptoms after varicose vein surgery. Design: A prospective double-blind, randomized, Parallel, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Surgical department of a regional hospital. Patients: Forty patients undergoing venous surgery for varices associated with superficial insufficiency. Interventions: Saphenofemoral ligation, stripping of the entire long saphenous vein and removal of varicosities via 0.5 cm incisions. HR was given at 2 g/day (or Placebo) for 6 weeks starting on the first postoperative day. Twenty patients were randomized to each group. Main outcome measures: Leg volumes were measured by an automatic electronic-optic volumeter, prior to operation and again after 6 weeks and 3 months. Leg symptoms were recorded on days 1 and 10, weeks 3 and 6, and at 3 months. Results: There was no difference in leg volume between the two groups during the first 6 weeks when stockings Were worn, but the increase in oedema of the distal leg in the subsequent 6 weeks was significantly less in the HR group. Symptoms disappeared rapidly 3 weeks Postoperatively in both groups. Conclusions: Stockings are effective in controlling postoperative leg oedema and symptoms. The addition of HR can prevent subsequent oedema after removal of the stockings.

Groin-to-Knee Downward Stripping of the Long Saphenous Vein

Objective: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of downward stripping of the long saphenous vein. Design: Retrospective study in a series of patients treated surgically by the author. Setting: Department of Surgery, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Patients: Patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of varicose veins attributable to sapheno-femoral incompetence. Interventions: Patients underwent flush sapheno-femoral ligation with stripping of the long saphenous vein using a downward stripping of the long saphenous vein between the groin and knee. Main outcome measures: Cosmetic appearance of the limb and presence or absence of neurological disturbance suggestive of injury to the saphenous nerve. Results: Satisfactory healing of all wounds was found. Good aesthetic results and no neurological complication was encountered. Conclusion: Groin to knee downward stripping of the long saphenous vein provides a safe and effective method for managing varices of the long saphenous vein.