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

Abstract

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.