Abstract
Objective:
To describe a new technique for limited stripping (in the thigh) of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) to avoid painful postoperative haematomas.
Design:
Pilot study.
Setting:
General Hospital Linz, Second Surgical Department, Linz, Austria.
Patients:
Sixteen patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery for varices on the long saphenous vein. CEAP clinical stage: C2 (n = 12), C3 (n = 4).
Intervention:
Removal of the GSV from the thigh by endoscopic dissection with electrocautery division of the main tributaries. Phlebectomy for varices in GSV tributaries.
Main outcome measures:
Clinical assessment of the extent of haematomas and cosmetic appearance.
Results:
Fifteen of 16 operations were completed as intended without any technical problem. In one case conversion to conventional stripping was required due to adhesion of the saphenous vein to a previous operation scar in the thigh. The median total operation time for one limb was 57 min. A postoperative haematoma occurred in only one patient. There was no additional postoperative complication.
Conclusion:
Endostripping is a new technique for stripping of the GSV and reduces postoperative haematoma. It can be performed in a reasonable operation time and is safe. The value of this technique should be assessed in clinical trials.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.