title: Midterm Clinical Outcomes after Modified High Ligation and Segmental Stripping of Incompetent Small Saphenous Veins.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm clinical outcomes after modified high ligation and segmental stripping of small saphenous vein (SSV) varicosities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2010 and March 2013, 62 patients (69 legs) with isolated primary small saphenous varicose veins were enrolled in this study. The outcomes measured were reflux in the remaining distal SSV, the recurrence of varicose veins, the improvement of preoperative symptoms, and the rate of postoperative complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No major complications occurred. No instances of the recurrence of varicose veins at previous stripping sites were noted. Three legs (4.3%) showed reflux in the remaining distal small saphenous veins. The preoperative symptoms were found to have improved in 96.4% of the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the absence of flush ligation of the saphenopopliteal junction, modified high ligation and segmental stripping of small saphenous vein varicosities with preoperative duplex marking is an effective treatment method for reducing postoperative complications and the recurrence of SSV incompetence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital.
authors.forename: Ki Pyo
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Hong
keywords: High ligation; Saphenous vein; Stripping; Varicose veins