[Should external saphenectomy be routine or eclectic? Results of two series compared]

Based on a comparison between one series where external saphenectomy was routine and another series where external saphenectomy was eclectic, the authors give their preference for excision of the external saphenous when it is clearly diseased, and in this way obtain a 99% success rate. In the discussion, they emphasize that the anatomy of the popliteal fossa can vary, and they attempt to define a plan of management in regard to the external saphenous when it is diseased.