[Ambulatory phlebectomy by the Muller method: technique, advantages, and disadvantages].

Phlebectomy according to Muller is a simple and efficient method. A very narrow incision (1 to 2 mm) makes it possible to grasp the varicose vein with a small hook and to extract it. Indications are numerous: varices of the trunk (without insufficiency of the great saphenous vein junction), perforating varices, reticular varices, nutrient veins of telangiectasias or of leg ulcers, unsightly veins (in the eyelids, arms, etc.). There are numerous advantages of phlebectomy according to Muller. In terms of ambulatory patients, it is a simple technique free of risks (especially thromboembolic ones) for surgical treatment of all types of varices. This technique is particularly economical (simple infrastructure, little loss of patient work time). Elective extirpation of varicose veins allows the healthy venous trunks to be conserved (reconstructive surgery) and scars are practically invisible. In terms of hospital practice, this technique has been adopted by numerous surgeons as a complement to resection of the sapheno-femoral junction and stripping, thus permitting reduction of scar size and extirpation of the narrowest varices. The drawbacks are minimal: the usual complications of any surgical technique and too easy accessibility to the poorly trained practitioner.