Natural history of recurrent varices undergoing reintervention: a retrospective study

Recurrent varices after surgery are a complex problem. Many studies regarding the causes of recurrence and the best procedures that can be used to study them have been conducted but few studies on the natural history of the operations performed for recurrence.

To evaluate the efficiency of reintervention in controlling the varicose disease, its symptoms, and patient satisfaction.

Of 71 patients operated on for surgical recurrence related to an inguinal cavernoma between 1996 and 2004, 51 were reassessed in May 2006 with a clinical and Duplex examination. Surgical and anesthesiological data were collected.

The average follow-up after reintervention for the 51 of the 71 treated patients who came to the examination was 5.8 years; 38 (74.5%) of the patients were very satisfied, and one patient (2%) was dissatisfied. Thirty-five (68.6%) of the patients still had varices, but only 17 of these had real varices at the original site; 18 patients showed persistent or residual varices (3 patients, 5.8%) or a progression (15 patients, 29.9%) of the varicose disease.

Surgical intervention on an outpatient basis may have a significant role in controlling the varicose disease with few complications.