Causes of recurrent lower limb varicose veins after surgical interventions in 141 limbs - five-year retrospective analysis of two centers.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to explore the causes of recurrent lower limb varicose veins after surgical interventions.

METHODS

A retrospective five-year survey was conducted on patients who underwent second surgery due to recurrent lower limb varicose veins after surgical interventions. A total of 141 limbs (112 cases), including 72 cases of left lower limbs, 47 of right lower limbs and 22 of both limbs, were involved in the study. All patients underwent lower limb venography (141 limbs were anterograde and 28 cases were retrograde), and then examined with color-Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

The major causes that urged patients to undergo second surgery are clinical changes graded above CEAP IV (93.6%), limb edema without changes on skin (5%), and single varicosity (1.4%). Up to 127 (83%) limbs exhibited perforating venous reflux, 67 (47.5%) limbs had varied degrees of deep venous insufficiency and 68 (48.2%) limbs had through or above-the-knee great saphenous vein trunk residual.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative venography before operation is indispensible in confirming the diagnosis and operation strategies. Patients with severe primary deep venous reflux and symptoms up to C3 may need simultaneous repair of the deep venous valves.