Successful reduction of clinical relevant neovascularization with a modified crossectomy combined with a barrier technique after 10-year follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the long-term results of stripping the insufficient great saphenous vein (GSV) with stump coagulation, closure of the cribriform fascia and some additional measures, which will be described in detail.


METHODS
Patients treated from 1998 to 1999 for varicose veins had been invited in 2009 for follow-up colour-coded duplex sonography and had been asked to answer a quality-of-life questionnaire. In 2009, the examinations for the study were conducted at a clinic of angiology by an independent and experienced sonographer.


RESULTS
From a total of 165 patients, 91 (136 limbs) had been willing to participate in the study. Duplex ultrasound after a mean follow-up of 10.7 years revealed only clinically non-relevant (∅ < 0.3 cm) neovascularizations in 1.5% of all treated legs. No clinical relevant varicosities from the groin had developed.


CONCLUSIONS
The crossectomy combined with stump coagulation and suture of the fossa ovalis, completed with some additional measures, is a successful method to reduce neovascularization and recurrent varicosities, even for redo-crossectomies, without increasing the risk of perioperative complications.
Private Institute for Vascular Surgery and Phlebology, Zurich, Switzerland. sebastian.schnyder@sunrise.ch
S
S
Schnyder
S
S
Gabler
T O
TO
Meier
C
C
Thalhammer
F
F
Magnetti
S
S
Spring
B R
BR
Amann-Vesti
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*