The outcome of varicose vein surgery at 10 years: clinical findings, symptoms and patient satisfaction.
BACKGROUND
Data on long-term outcomes of varicose vein surgery are sparse, and 'success' rates vary substantially depending on the method of assessment. This study used a variety of methods to evaluate patients 10 years after operation.


METHODS
A consecutive cohort of 100 patients was identified, of whom 70 (151 operated limbs) were reviewed--50 by clinical and Doppler examination, and all by structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
A few months after operation, symptoms were 'cured' or 'much better' in 89% of patients, and remained so at 10 years in 77%. Only 30% patients were completely free of recurrent varicose veins at 10 years (both by self- and clinician-assessment): 44% had 'just a few' varicosities while 26%, had varicose veins 'as badly as before'. Only 24 patients (34%) were not 'generally pleased' at 10 years, because of continuing symptoms (3), recurrent varicosities (13), and other miscellaneous reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
Although some recurrence of varicose veins is frequent 10 years after operation, surgery provides long-term relief of symptoms in the great majority of patients.
Campbell
W B
WB
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK.
Vijay Kumar
A
A
Collin
T W
TW
Allington
K L
KL
Michaels
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*