title: Subfascial ligation of the incompetent short saphenous vein: technical success measured by duplex sonography.
abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the technical success of subfascial ligation of the short saphenous vein (SSV) in patients with SSV varices by postoperative duplex sonography. From January 1997 to October 2000, 28 patients (9 men and 19 women; mean age 56 years, range 32-72) underwent sapheno-popliteal ligation for incompetence of the sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ). Four patients had operations on both limbs. Follow-up took place 3 months after the operation by using duplex sonography. In only 5 cases, the SSV was occluded completely. In 14 cases, there was no communication with the deep venous system, but a venous reflux via collaterals and epifascial veins still existed. In 13 cases, the SPJ still existed with tortuous development of the SPJ and sometimes with partial thrombosis. Postoperative duplex sonography showed that subfascial ligation of the SSV alone is not effective for the treatment of sapheno-popliteal reflux. Further prospective studies are necessary to find the best treatment for sapheno-popliteal reflux. Because of the immense progress in this treatment and the increased responsibility of nurses caring for these patients, the nurse must be thoroughly aware of the multifaceted problems of SSV varices.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Laboratory, Ikazia Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spronk
authors.forename: Roelof U
authors.initials: RU
authors.lastname: Boelhouwer
authors.forename: Hermanus F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Veen
authors.forename: Pieter T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: den Hoed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery