Retrospective Study of Treatment for Primary Varicose Veins with Saphenous Vein Insufficiency

Abstract

A retrospective study was performed on 2961 limbs of 2082 patients who had primary varicose veins with saphenous vein insufficiency, to assess the value of different types of treatment. Compression sclerotherapy combined with high ligation (CS+HL) was frequently chosen in surgery from 1994 to 1997; however, selective stripping has become more accepted lately. CS+HL was more frequently associated with cutaneous pigmentation and recurrent varices than stripping procedure. Damage to superficial nerves rarely occurred with selective stripping compared to standard stripping. Patient satisfaction within 3 months after treatment in the CS+HL group was significantly lower than that in the stripping group, because a number of patients claimed cosmetic imperfection and they complained about prolonged wearing of elastic stocking or the long duration of treatment. Patients who underwent stripping listed prominent wound scar or superficial nerve damage as reasons for dissatisfaction in the early postoperative days, while they complained of residual or recurrent varices in the late period. Patient satisfaction after treatment in the stocking group was the lowest of all the groups, because of the troublesome wearing of elastic stocking. In conclusion, it is essential to evaluate the pathologic condition of varicose veins and to select a treatment that meets each patient’s needs and produces the best outcome.