Late results after venous valve repair.

Seventeen patients (18 extremities) with primary deep venous insufficiency underwent femoral vein valve repair. Prior to the valvuloplasty the superficial and perforator systems were treated surgically. Dynamic venous pressure measurement and Doppler examination were done for late objective assessment of the valve repair. At early follow-up the reconstructed valves were competent, and all patients showed symptomatical improvement. Significant improvement in pressure reduction and recovery time was observed at postoperative venous pressure measurements. Good or excellent long-term results were obtained in 67% of the extremities after two to five years. Late recurrence of symptoms and incompetence of the reconstructed valve occurred in five extremities. Valve repair may offer good long-term results, but further studies are required to assess the appropriate place of this procedure in the treatment of primary deep venous insufficiency.