The early morbidity of varicose vein surgery

The early outcome and morbidity associated with varicose vein surgery were assessed at six months post operation by postal questionnaire. Most cases underwent sapheno-femoral ligation, above-knee stripping of the long saphenous vein and multiple stab avulsions. A 73.8% response rate resulted in 155 replies, and revealed a high incidence (65.8%) of perceived complications within the first two weeks after surgery. The commonest of these were bruising, pain and numbness. Over a third of patients consulted their general practitioner (GP) postoperatively. Half of these required further management or treatment and the rest, reassurance alone. At six months 79.4% were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery, although some still claimed problems with residual veins, skin discoloration, numbness, and ankle or foot discoloration. Eleven percent were referred to hospital for further opinion, mostly because of perceived residual varicose veins. The difference between residual and recurrent varicose veins is discussed. No patient felt that the standard 2.5 day admission was too long, and 12.9% thought it too short. Day case surgery is not a popular option in this population group. Despite high satisfaction rates, there is a considerable morbidity attached to varicose vein surgery. We believe that good pre- and perioperative communication, augmented by a comprehensive information sheet, is important to prepare patients for those postoperative problems and thus reduces their perceived importance.