Strip-track revascularization after stripping of the great saphenous vein.
BACKGROUND
Varicose veins that recur after standard high tie and strip are often associated with venous reflux in the thigh, as shown by duplex ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to look for evidence of revascularization in the strip track after great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping.


METHODS
A consecutive series of patients with duplex-proven great saphenous varicose veins underwent saphenofemoral ligation with intraoperative confirmation of successful stripping. Duplex ultrasonography was performed 1 week and 1 year after surgery. The presence and extent of haematoma was noted, as was any venous reflux within the strip track.


RESULTS
At 1 year, four (6 per cent) of 70 patients had complete revascularization of the strip track and 12 (17 per cent) had partial revascularization, all with duplex-proven reflux. Partial revascularization was in the distal third of the track in six legs (9 per cent of the 70 patients), in the distal half in five (7 per cent) and was almost complete in one leg (1 per cent). All patients with revascularization had a significant strip-track haematoma at 1 week after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Revascularization of the GSV strip track after stripping was found in 23 per cent of patients after 1 year; all of these had a postoperative haematoma in the track.
Munasinghe
A
A
Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.
Smith
C
C
Kianifard
B
B
Price
B A
BA
Holdstock
J M
JM
Whiteley
M S
MS
D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D015424:Reperfusion / Q000379:methods*; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*