Diagnostic and surgical treatment of the thrombophlebitis in the saphenofemoral junction.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study reports on the diagnostic and surgical treatment of 10 patients with ascending thrombophlebitis in the proximal great saphenous vein with free-floating thrombi reaching into the common femoral vein.


METHODS
10 patients were operated in our clinic for thrombophlebitis with free-floating thrombi in the saphenofemoral junction. Diagnosis of free-floating thrombi was made by B-mode and color-coded duplex ultrasound examination. Surgical thrombectomy was performed immediately.


RESULTS
No operative complications were observed, while 5 of 10 patients sustained preoperative pulmonary embolism. After successful thrombectomy and perioperative systemic heparinization, patients who had no PE and no thrombophilic disorders were discharged without any further anticoagulant therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our retrospective study show that patients with an ascending thrombophlebitis should undergo ultrasound examination to detect free-floating thrombi reaching into the deep venous system. In case of free-floating thrombi, immediate surgical thrombectomy, which is safe and provides rapid recovery from symptoms, is indicated.
Aper
T
T
Clinic for General Surgery, Klinikum Hannover Oststadt-Heidehaus, Klinikums der Region Hannover, Podbielskistrasse 380, Hannover. thomas.aper@t-online.de
Simanowski
J
J