Transilluminated powered phlebectomy. Mid-term clinical experience.
OBJECTIVE
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP) was first described in 1996 by Sptiz et al. and was designed to allow minimally invasive surgical treatment of varicose veins (VV). We report our updated experience with TIPP technique.


METHODS
Between January 2001 and February 2004, 84 patients underwent treatment by TIPP technique for primary symptomatic VV. Saphenofemoral junction with complete stripping of the great saphenous vein was performed in all patients. Incompetent perforating veins was ligated and prominent VV were ablated with TIPP technique.


RESULTS
Mean age of patients was 50.6 years (range 29-79 years) and most of patients were women (73%). The major varicose vein risk factors were standing position and parity. Heaviness (62%), pain (57%) and unsightly veins (30%) were the most common indications for surgery. The mean number of surgical incisions was 6 (range 3-10), the average operative time was 59 min (range 30-100 min) and the mean cosmetic score (out of 10) at 6 weeks was 8 (range 2-10). The mean pain score (out of 10) was at 2 days, 7 days and 6 weeks was 5, 3 and 0, respectively. All the complications were documented.


CONCLUSIONS
The TIPP technique is safe without any adverse events, presents advantages and inconvenient which are discussed in this paper.
Scavée
V
V
Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Clinique Saint-Pierre, University Affiliated Hospital Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Ottignies, Belgium. vincent.scavee@skynet.be
Lemaire
E
E
Haxhe
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014172:Transillumination; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*