[Surgical therapy of primary varicose veins].

The principle of varicose vein surgery still remains the interruption of all insufficient communications between the deep and the superficial venous system and removal of the varicosities. The basis for differentiated surgical treatment is accurate preoperative assessment. Careful dissection of the saphenofemoral junction through a suprainguinal incision, with division of all the branches and flush tie of the long saphenous vein combined with invaginated stripping of the long saphenous vein to just below the knee, appears to be the method of choice for good clinical results and a low incidence of damage to the saphenous nerve. Oesch recently introduced a new technique of perforate invaginate (PIN) stripping which gives even better cosmetic results. Regarding the short saphenous vein, preoperative localization of the exact level of the saphenopopliteal junction is of major importance in the prevention of recurrence. Simple evulsion or epifascial or subfascial ligation were the most common treatments for incompetent perforating veins for many years. In 1985 Hauer described endoscopic subfascial dissection of perforating veins (ESDP), which reduces delayed wound healing, especially in trophic skin changes. Deprivation of blood supply with a pneumatic tourniquet such as the Löfqvist roller cuff is necessary. The tributaries are removed by stab evulsion phlebectomy with specially designed hooks. This technique was originally introduced by Muller for ambulatory treatment of varicose veins. The incisions of 1-3 mm guarantee excellent cosmesis and minimal trauma. Adhesive tape is used to close the incisions. A number of alternative techniques such as cryosurgery, laser surgery, paratibial fasciotomy and the CHIVA technique (Conservative Treatment and Haemodynamics in Venous Insufficiency in Outpatient Departments) are briefly described. Complications of varicose vein surgery are rare. Minor complications are skin nerve injuries, haematomas, infections and lymphatic fistulas. Major complications such as injuries to the femoral vein or artery occur in less than 0.05%. But once it has occurred it is of paramount importance to recognize the injury at the time of initial surgery, to avoid limb loss. Provided the preoperative assessment is accurate and the principles of selective surgical treatment are followed, the surgeon is able to perform a curative operation with a low complication rate and excellent cosmetic results.