Strip-tract revascularization as a source of recurrent venous reflux following high saphenous tie and stripping: results at 5-8 years after surgery.
OBJECTIVE
We have previously reported strip-tract revascularization 1 year following high saphenous ligation and inversion stripping. This study reports the 5-8 year results in the same cohort.


METHODS
Between 2000 and 2003, 72 patients presented with primary varicose veins and had undergone high saphenous ligation and inversion stripping plus phlebectomies with or without subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery. Of the 64 patients who had attended for follow-up at 1 year, 35 patients (male:female, 16:19; 39 legs) underwent duplex ultrasonography 5-8 years after surgery (response rate 55%). Duplex ultrasonography was performed and all strip-tract revascularization and reflux and groin neovascularization was documented.


RESULTS
Eighty-two percent of legs of patients showed some evidence of strip-tract revascularization and reflux. Full and partial strip-tract revascularization and reflux was seen in 12.8% and 59% of limbs of patients, respectively, and 10.2% limbs of patients had neovascularization only at the saphenofemoral junction only. Seven limbs of patients showed no revascularization.


CONCLUSIONS
Five to eight years after high saphenous tie and stripping, 82% of legs of patients showed some strip-tract revascularization and reflux and 12% showed total revascularization and reflux of the stripped great saphenous vein.
The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
Alexandra E
AE
Ostler
The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
Judy M
JM
Holdstock
The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
Charmaine C
CC
Harrison
The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
Barrie A
BA
Price
The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK Faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK mark@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk.
Mark S
MS
Whiteley
D000328:Adult; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery
Varicose veins; neovascularization; recurrence; stripping