[Stripping operations of the parva and magna saphenous veins. Long-term study in relation to pre- and postoperative dysfunction].
OBJECTIVE
Little data is available on the log-term effects of stripping the greater and lesser saphenous veins in combination with pre- and post-operative function tests. The goal of this study was to record the long-term course after surgery based on the function data.


METHODS
Drain-off capability was measured preoperatively and postoperatively by light reflection rheography in 203 patients (58 men, 145 women) between 17 and 79 years. Questionnaires were used about 9 years after surgery to determine the nature of the post-operative complaints.


RESULTS
Nine years after surgery 58% of the patients still had no discomfort, and 78% had fewer problems with venous ulcers. About 60% reported improvement of swelling and skin changes. The results tended to be better in men. Freedom of complaints was longer-lasting where venous drainage had been good before surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Stripping operations can produce long-lasting improvement of venous ulceration and the above-mentioned complaints in a high percentage of patients.
Forschner
A
A
Universitäts-Hautklinik, Liebermeisterstrasse 25, 72076 Tübingen.
Schippert
W
W
Rassner
G
G
Breuninger
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017156:Photoplethysmography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*