Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Late follow-up of a randomized trial of routine duplex imaging before varicose vein surgery
L Blomgren1, G Johansson, L Emanuelsson
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. lena.blomgren@karolinska.se
Background:
Routine preoperative duplex examination led to an improvement in results 2 years after surgery for primary varicose veins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative duplex imaging after 7 years, in relation to other risk factors for varicose vein recurrence.
Methods:
Patients with primary varicose veins were randomized to operation with (group 1), or without (group 2) preoperative duplex imaging. The same patients were invited to attend follow-up with interview, clinical examination and duplex imaging. Quality of life (QoL) was measured with the Short Form 36 questionnaire.
Results:
Some 293 patients (343 legs) were included initially; after 7 years 227 were interviewed, or their records reviewed: 114 in group 1 and 113 in group 2. One hundred and ninety-four legs (95 in group 1 and 99 in group 2) were examined clinically and with duplex imaging. Incompetence was seen at the saphenofemoral junction and/or saphenopopliteal junction in 14 per cent of legs in group 1 and 46 per cent in group 2 (P < 0.001). QoL was similar in both groups. After a mean follow-up of 7 years (and including patients who underwent surgery after the review), 15 legs in group 1 needed reoperation and 38 in group 2 (P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Routine preoperative duplex imaging improved the results of surgery for primary varicose veins for at least 7 years.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Varicose Veins I: Introduction

