Fate of varicose veins after great saphenous vein stripping alone.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to observe prospectively the clinical sequelae of varicose veins after great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping alone, and to examine whether spontaneous varicose vein regression or disappearance continued for a long period (>3 years).


METHODS
Thirty-nine consecutive patients (20 males and 19 females; mean age 57.2), who underwent GSV stripping in Fujita Health University (55 limbs) between November 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003 were enrolled.


RESULTS
At four to six weeks, varicose veins spontaneously resolved in 50 limbs (91%), in which subsequent sclerotherapy was not necessary. Five limbs subsequently underwent sclerotherapy for residual varicose veins (5%). At more than three years, 49 limbs (89%) completed the follow-up study. The recurrence after GSV stripping alone occurred in four of the 45 limbs (9%), while those of GSV stripping with sclerotherapy was one of the four limbs (25%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study definitely demonstrated that spontaneous varicose vein resolution can continue for more than three years after GSV stripping alone, suggesting that varicectomy can be deferred or avoided in many patients.
Nishibe
T
T
Department of Surgery, Eniwa Midorino Clinic, Eniwa, Japan. toshiyanishibe@yahoo.co.jp
Kondo
Y
Y
Dardik
A
A
Muto
A
A
Nishibe
M
M
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures