Day Case Varicose Vein Operations: Patient Suitability and Satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives:

To define how many patients with varicose veins are suitable to have the operation carried out as a day case. To define how well the procedure is tolerated.

Design:

A prospective 6-month study.

Setting:

District General Hospital.

Patients:

One hundred and sixty-eight new patients and a separate group of 100 patients having a day case varicose vein operation.

Interventions:

New patients were assessed according to RCS guidelines. Postoperatively, patients completed a one-page questionnaire.

Results:

Of the 168 patients, 141 (84%) were suitable for a day case operation. The main indications for an overnight stay were associated medical conditions and social problems. Of the 100 patients having an operation, 90 stated they would have a similar procedure carried out as a day case again. In the first 2 postoperative weeks, 12 patients saw their GP and three a district nurse. No patients contacted their GP before the fifth postoperative day. Twenty-eight patients took no analgesia following discharge from hospital; 81 felt that their postoperative pain was less than or as they expected.

Conclusion:

Most patients with varicose veins are suitable to have a day case procedure, which is well tolerated and provides no additional workload for the GP.