Outcome following saphenopopliteal surgery: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES

High recurrence rates following small saphenous varicose vein surgery have been reported. The aim of this study was to ascertain initial success rates following saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) surgery using pre- and postoperative duplex scanning.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed on patients with ultrasound-proven SPJ reflux. Patients underwent preoperative duplex skin marking and a postoperative quality assurance scan.

RESULTS

Ninety procedures were performed in 88 patients. The SPJ was successfully ligated in 87 (96.7%) cases. Reflux was completely abolished in 51 (56.7%) cases, but persisted solely in the small saphenous vein (SSV) in 32.2%. Subsequently, 10 consecutive patients underwent 11 SPJ ligations with stripping of the SSV. Follow-up ultrasound scan demonstrated successful ligation of the SPJ and elimination of superficial venous reflux.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that preoperative duplex SPJ marking results in a high percentage of successful ligation. Given that residual persistent reflux was avoided in patients who underwent stripping of the SSV, we propose that patients who require SPJ surgery undergo duplex marking along with specific consideration with regard to treatment of the residual SSV.