Assessment of the results of surgery for varicose veins

Fifty-six patients undergoing primary surgery for unilateral varicose veins by a standardized Trendelenburg procedure were reviewed postoperatively by a panel of three observers. Agreement between the observers was high in assessing symptomatic response (up to 98%), but only moderate in evaluation of any visual changes in affected legs (60%). Moreover, intr-observer agreement comparing symptomatic response and visual impression was very low (30-4%). It is suggested that inter-series comparisons should be made solely upon the response of specific symptoms to treatment.