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Published on: December 9, 2022
Fate of varicose veins after great saphenous vein stripping alone
1Department of Surgery, Eniwa Midorino Clinic, Eniwa, Japan. toshiyanishibe@yahoo.co.jp
Insights
Great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping alone shows significant spontaneous varicose vein regression for over three years. This suggests delaying or avoiding further varicectomy in many patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Phlebology
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Varicose veins are a common vascular condition.
- Great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping is a standard treatment.
- Long-term spontaneous regression of varicose veins post-GSV stripping is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate clinical outcomes after GSV stripping alone.
- To determine if spontaneous varicose vein regression continues beyond three years.
- To assess the necessity of further treatment like varicectomy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 39 patients (55 limbs) undergoing GSV stripping.
- Follow-up assessment for clinical sequelae and spontaneous regression.
- Data collection on recurrence rates for GSV stripping alone versus combined with sclerotherapy.
Main Results:
- 91% of limbs showed spontaneous varicose vein resolution within 4-6 weeks.
- Only 5% of limbs required subsequent sclerotherapy.
- After >3 years, 89% completed follow-up; recurrence was 9% for GSV stripping alone.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous varicose vein resolution can persist for over three years post-GSV stripping.
- Varicectomy may be deferred or avoided in numerous cases.
- GSV stripping alone demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes with low recurrence.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to observe prospectively the clinical sequelae of varicose veins after great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping alone, and to examine whether spontaneous varicose vein regression or disappearance continued for a long period (>3 years).
Methods:
Thirty-nine consecutive patients (20 males and 19 females; mean age 57.2), who underwent GSV stripping in Fujita Health University (55 limbs) between November 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003 were enrolled.
Results:
At four to six weeks, varicose veins spontaneously resolved in 50 limbs (91%), in which subsequent sclerotherapy was not necessary. Five limbs subsequently underwent sclerotherapy for residual varicose veins (5%). At more than three years, 49 limbs (89%) completed the follow-up study. The recurrence after GSV stripping alone occurred in four of the 45 limbs (9%), while those of GSV stripping with sclerotherapy was one of the four limbs (25%).
Conclusions:
This study definitely demonstrated that spontaneous varicose vein resolution can continue for more than three years after GSV stripping alone, suggesting that varicectomy can be deferred or avoided in many patients.
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