[Results of standard varicose vein surgery]

The principles of modern varicose vein surgery are based on the interruption of the cranial and distal points of venous insufficiency. Especially due to the rise of alternate surgery procedures, we have scrutinized our results of varicose vein surgery. In a retrospective analysis, the results of those patients (pat.) who underwent venous surgery in our institution in 1995 were analysed. In 1995 we performed 1 575 varicose vein operations (n = 1 019 pat., 16.8 % male, 83.2 % female). 63.5 % were on an outpatient basis. During a follow-up period of 4 to 66 months (av. 38 months) the patients were re-examined, 481 (47.2 %) by Duplex sonography, 94 (9.2 %) by clinical examination alone, from 103 (10.1 %) information was obtained through a written inquiry. 341 pat. (33.5 %) had just perioperative follow-ups. We didn't find any signs of varicosis in 301 pat. (33.3 %). Minor side branches could be detected in 515 pat. (56.8 %). In 90 pat. (9.9 %) a clearly visible varicosis could be seen. Based on the results of the Duplex examinations, 86 % of the pat. showed no recurrence after ligation of the sapheno-femoral junction and stripping of the LSV, the results after stripping of the short saphenous vein were similar. Analysis of the inquiry forms concluded that 62.3 % of the pat. were satisfied with surgery and the results. The results of the standard varicose vein surgery are satisfactory regarding recurrence rate and patient satisfaction. Our results are comparable to those published in prospective randomised studies. Alternate procedures, for example the CHIVA method, have still to proof their efficiency, especially in view of long-term results.