[Saphenectomy in patients over 65. Indications and results]

For 779 patients who underwent varicose vein surgery at Bicêtre, between 1981 and 1984, there were 61 elderly patients between 65 and 74 years and 15 "old age" patients over 75 years. Only one severe complication occurred. Almost all patients who were operated upon were satisfied or very satisfied to see that the functional discomfort had disappeared, the trophic disorders had regressed, the superficial phlebitis or hemorrhages had not recurred and the ulcer were healed. Statistics are in favor of a surgical treatment of varicose veins or phlebitis sequellae with severe degeneration of the superficial venous network, as soon as they become uncomfortable, because of the increased life expectancy, in Europe at this time. But, because of the tremendous progress of anesthesia techniques, it seems permissible to offer this surgical procedure to those who have passed the age previously considered as reasonable and are quite disabled.