2011 Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 239-244
Persisting incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) below the knee and residual incompetent perforating veins (IPV) were often found after selective stripping of GSV from the groin to upper calf. The aim of this study was to evaluate the venous function when the calf GSVs or calf perforating veins are incompetent after stripping surgery. One-hundred thirty one limbs were treated by stripping from the groin to upper calf with stab avulsion or sclerotherapy of varices; Twelve months after surgery, the patients were examined clinically to establish the extent of persisting varices by duplex ultrasonography and air-plethysmography. Venous filling index (VFI) was a little higher in those who had residual calf GSV reflux 12 month later, but was improved to a similar extent in both groups after surgery. It was higher in the group with incompetent perforating veins than the group without it. The chief complaints were improved in all groups. It is considered that removal of the saphenous vein below the knee is not necessary, but it is important to take care of the incompetent perforating veins.
