Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2002-9
Surgery for Recurrent Sapheno-Femoral Incompetence Using Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch Interposition in Front of the Femoral Vein: Long-Term Outcome in 119 Extremities
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.
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