[A new generation in varicose vein surgery?].

A new generation of varicose vein surgery is arising. Its invasivity is about half of what it has been. Therefore patients spend less time in hospital, their incapacity of work is reduced, they have less complications and the cosmetic results are much better. This progress has been made possible by different means. First of all smaller incisions are used for every step of the stripping procedure. Varicose branches are removed with small hooks through incisions of only 1-5 mm in length. Other techniques also help to reduce invasivity and to improve the results, such as the endoscopic treatment of Cockett's perforators, the skin closure with isoelastic adhesive tape and the bloodless operation field by Löfqvist's new roll-on tourniquet. The new diagnostic techniques help in two ways. First, they let the surgeon further reduce invasivity and second they allow for more dependable results. These newer operative techniques call for additional education. It is provided by the specialties which are engaged in phlebologic surgery anyhow, i.e. angiology, vascular and general surgery, dermatology and general medicine.