Prospective trial comparing bilateral and unilateral varicose vein surgery.

BACKGROUND

This study compared bilateral and unilateral varicose vein surgery in primary varicosis of the long or short saphenous vein with respect to blood loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The prospective trial assessed postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, blood loss, return to physical activity and work, cosmetic result, complications, hospitalization, patient satisfaction, and hospital cost in 73 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral ( n=40) or bilateral ( n=33) varicose vein surgery.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption immediately postoperatively and after 8 h, median postoperative stay, return to work and physical activity, or cosmetic result. All patients but one were either satisfied or very satisfied 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing a bilateral stripping operation did not differ from those undergoing unilateral operation. Therefore we recommend bilateral operation when indicated.