Is thigh saphenectomy a necessary adjunct to high ligation and stab avulsion phlebectomy?
BACKGROUND
Controversy still exists as to whether the thigh saphenous vein should be stripped concomitant with high ligation and phlebectomy.


METHODS
A total of 218 procedures were retrospectively grouped into three groups: group 1, 10 limbs with visible, duplex scan-confirmed varicose veins of the thigh saphenous vein; group 2, 13 saphenous veins with varices that were not clinically evident; group 3, 195 limbs with incompetent saphenous veins without thigh saphenous varices.


RESULTS
Five limbs in group 1 were treated by high ligation, phlebectomy, and thigh saphenectomy. All did well. Five had high ligation and phlebectomy only. Two developed painful phlebitis, and two had residual varices in the saphenous vein. Group 2 and group 3 were treated by high ligation and phlebectomy. One group 2 limb developed saphenous phlebitis. Five limbs in group 3 developed recurrent veins that were removed in the office.


CONCLUSIONS
Thigh saphenectomy is only required when there are visible, duplex scan-confirmed varices of the thigh saphenous itself, or when the procedure is performed for severely symptomatic patients or those with advanced stasis changes.
Samson
R H
RH
Vascular & Surgical Associates, Sarasota, Florida, USA.
Yunis
J P
JP
Showalter
D P
DP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply*; D013997:Time Factors; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery*