Objectives:
This study was performed to assess the patient's perception of the outcome of recurrent varicose vein surgery.
Methods:
Patients who underwent surgery for recurrent varicose veins between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1998 were sent a questionnaire and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score (AVVSS) in September 2003.
Results:
A total of 48 questionnaires were distributed and 40 responses (83%) were received. The mean length of follow-up was 81.78 months. Outcome was 'excellent' (no varicose veins) for four patients, 'satisfactory' for 22 (small, asymptomatic recurrence), 'unsatisfactory' for 10 (symptomatic recurrence) and 'worse' for four patients; 65% thought that the outcome was successful (excellent or satisfactory) and 35% a failure. The median AVVSS in the success group was 11.50 (IQR 7.94–19.69) compared with 29.63 (IQR 18.46–40.31) in the failure group (P = 0.0009, Wilcoxon).
Conclusions:
Two-thirds of patients undergoing surgery for recurrent varicose veins are satisfied with the outcome, nearly seven years after surgery. One-third will regard surgery as having failed. Patients should be advised of these potential outcomes prior to surgery.
