Results after Re-Operation in the Groin for Recurrent Varices of the Long Saphenous Vein

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the outcome of re-operation in the groin for recurrent varicose veins.

Design:

Retropective follow-up study

Setting:

Department of Vascular Surgery, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Methods and materials:

Thirty-two patients with 43 operated legs. Operations were performed between January 1996 and the end of April 1997 and solely as a groin dissection; no stripping was done. Follow-up consisted of a clinical examination and duplex scanning with an ATL HDI 5000 scanner.

Results:

Sixteen cured legs, 17 with reflux beginning at mid-thigh, mainly a Hunter's perforating vein, and 10 with remaining reflux at the sapheno-femoral junction.

Conclusion:

Recurrence rate in the groin is acceptable. Stripping of the long saphenous vein is mandatory to bring down the recurrence rate from mid-thigh perforating veins. This is now standard procedure in our department.