Preoperative colour-coded duplex examination of the saphenopopliteal junction in recurrent varicosis of the short saphenous vein.
Undetected anatomical variations of the short saphenous vein are a major contributing factor to recurrent varicose veins in the saphenous vein area. Perioperative venography and varicography of the short saphenous vein have been proposed as a means of exact localization of its termination. The present study evaluated whether colour-coded duplex examination constituted a reliable alternative for localization of the saphenopopliteal junction. Between 1989 and 1990, 12 patients were reoperated on after previous classical ligation of the short saphenous vein. Preoperative colour-coded duplex examination revealed an abnormally high saphenopopliteal junction with persistent reflux in 11 patients and a Giacomini vein in one. When comparing these results with venographic and operative findings an accuracy of 100% was reached in these specific cases. It is concluded that for patients with recurrent varicosis of the short saphenous vein, preoperative colour-coded duplex examination provides a reliable non-invasive alternative to venography in the exact localization of the saphenopopliteal junction.
De Maeseneer
M G
MG
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
De Hert
S G
SG
Van Schil
P E
PE
Vanmaele
R G
RG
Eyskens
E J
EJ
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery