The Effects of Varicose Vein Surgery on the Venous Function of the Lower Limb

Abstract

Objectives:

To assess the effect of varicose vein surgery on the venous function of the lower limb and to determine the ability of strain-gauge and photoplethysmography in discriminating between normal and abnormal venous function.

Design:

Prospective randomized trial with follow-up to 1 month postoperatively.

Study group:

Fifteen patients presenting for varicose vein surgery and 10 controls with no evidence of venous insufficiency.

Interventions:

Venous investigations were carried out preoperatively and at 1 month postoperative appointments.

Main outcome measures:

The effect of varicose vein surgery on lower limb venous function and the ability of plethysmography to distinguish normal from abnormal venous function.

Results:

Significant differences were found between pre- and postoperative venous refilling times (VRT) in patients attending for varicose vein surgery (p><0.01). Significant differences were also found between control and case preoperative VRTs. No significant differences were found between pre- and postoperative, and case/control venous outflow (VO) and venous capacitance (VC) values.

Conclusion:

Varicose vein surgery improved the venous function in all of the lower limbs investigated. Photoplethysmographic venous refilling times were found to be a useful, reproducible measure, able to distinguish normal from abnormal venous function.