Analysis of consecutive open surgeries for varicose vein at Dhulikhel hospital
R M Karmacharya1, Y R Shyakya1, B Shrestha1
1Department of Surgery, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
Insights
Open surgery for varicose veins improves quality of life but involves prolonged recovery. Newer treatments like radiofrequency ablation may offer faster pain relief and return to normal activity for patients with varicose veins.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Phlebology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Varicose veins are dilated lower limb veins often caused by superficial-deep venous system junction disease.
- Surgical intervention for varicose veins enhances patient quality of life and reduces complication risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze outcomes of consecutive open surgeries for varicose veins.
- Evaluate patient demographics, presenting symptoms, surgical findings, and postoperative recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 51 open varicose vein surgeries at Dhulikhel Hospital (Sept 2012 - July 2013).
- Segmental stripping performed if great saphenous vein diameter exceeded 3 mm.
- Data analyzed using SPSS version 13.0.
Main Results:
- 51 cases (47% male, 53% female), mean age 48.9 years.
- Incompetent saphenofemoral junction noted in 68.6%; prominent dilated veins were the main complaint.
- Mean hospital stay was 2.6 days, with patients walking normally in 4.1 days and pain-free by 3.2 days.
Conclusions:
- Conventional stripping surgery for varicose veins is linked to extended hospital stays and delayed recovery.
- Exploration of alternative treatments such as radiofrequency ablation is recommended for improved patient outcomes.
Background:
Varicose veins are prominent dilated veins in the lower limb primarily due to disease in the junction between superficial and deep venous system. Operative treatment of such condition significantly improves quality of life and also demonstrably decreases the potential complications. We present with analysis of fifty one consecutive open surgeries for varicose vein at Dhulikhel Hospital.
Objective:
To analyze consecutive open surgeries for varicose vein in terms of gender, age, presenting complaints, findings and post operative outcomes.
Method:
All the cases posted for open surgeries for varicose vein at Dhulikhel Hospital during September 2012 - July 2013 were included. If great saphenous vein in thigh was more than 3 mm, segmental stripping was done. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0.
Result:
There were 51 cases with 47% male and 53% female. Mean age was 48.9 years. Prominent dilated vein was the most common presenting complaints. Incompetent saphenofemoral junction was present in 68.6% cases. Segmental stripping was done in 51% cases. Mean days of admission was 2.6 days. Mean pain free day was on 3.2 days. In an average, patient were able to walk normally in 4.1 days. Analysis of hospital admission days, ability to walk normally and pain free day attained in between stripping required and stripping not required group showed significant difference with higher values in stripping required group.
Conclusion:
Although conventional stripping surgery has long been performed for varicose vein, this is associated with prolonged hospital admission, prolonged time required for ability to walk normally, and prolonged time taken for pain free status. Hence newer modalities of treatment like radiofrequency ablation is warranted in our setup too.