Abstract
The hypothesis that recurrence of varicose veins in the groin develops through preexisting tributaries of the great saphenous vein as a result of failure to ligate this vein at the saphenofemoral junction has greatly influenced surgical treatment. The results of an investigation, in 152 limbs, of the role of neovascu larization in recurrence of varices of the great saphenous vein in the groin are presented. A newly formed vessel or complex of vessels was found that was continuous proximally with a residual unresected portion of great saphenous vein or with the saphenofemoral junction and distally with this vein or with other varicose veins in the superficial venous network. The presence of several lumens in an irregular mass of vein tissue and of cords or bands traversing the lumen showed that the vessel was newly formed, not preexisting. Neovascular ization may therefore result in recurrence even where the criterion of correctly performed saphenofemoral ligation has been observed.
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