[A cosmetic surgery technique for varices in the lower extremities]

The author describes a variant of a cosmetic operation of varicosities of the lower extremities which proved successful in the course of 17 years. The operation was performed in a total of 1823 patients. Minimalization of the size and number of surgical incisions is made possible by the use of very simple instruments comprising an elevator of the saphena magna, strippers for subsidiary varicosities (4 sizes), an applicator of temporary tamponade and two types of chisels for suprafascial and subfascial severing of perforating veins. The number of operations on account of relapses is 9.04% during a representative period in 1990 and 1991. The period of work incapacity is by one week shorter. The cosmetic results are excellent. The instruments and the described technique are at present used in 35 institutes.