Transilluminated powered phlebectomy: advantages and disadvantages of a new technique.
BACKGROUND
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is a new procedure for minimal invasive varicose vein surgery.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate this technique for its benefit and the technique-related risks and complications.


METHODS
Thirty patients were prospectively operated with this new technique by the same surgeon (11 of them bilaterally [41 legs in all]). According to the sonography, sapheno-femoral-junction ligation and stripping of the long saphenous vein were done if necessary. The phlebectomy of the side branches was done with the new system (Trivex System/Smith and Nephew). The postoperative follow-up was at 10 days and 6 weeks.


RESULTS
There was no intraoperative complication. The mean operation time per leg was 40 minutes. Twenty-five patients had an uneventful postoperative course. Twenty two have been very satisfied with the cosmetically result. Two patients required reoperation because of postoperative hematoma. One patient developed a seroma, which could be managed via puncture. One patient developed persistent brown scar. The overall morbidity was 12.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Using transilluminated powered phlebectomy, multiple and large incisions could be reduced. A perfect cosmetic outcome might be reached if the surgeon is aware of technique-related complications. To evaluate the real value of this technique, further randomized trials are necessary.
Shamiyeh
Andreas
A
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Operative Laparoscopy at the Second Surgical Department, Academic Teaching Hospital, Linz, Austria. andreas.shamiyeh@aon.at
Schrenk
Peter
P
Huber
Elke
E
Danis
Jan
J
Wayand
Wolfgang Ulf
WU
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*