An ambulatory treatment of varicose veins associating surgical section and sclerotherapy of large saphenous veins (3S technique). Preliminary study with results at one year

Abstract

Background: The 3S technique enables treatment of large incontinent greater saphenous veins in patients who, for medical or social reasons, refuse traditional surgical methods. It associates phlebectomy with section-ligation and injection of a sclerosing solution in the proximal and distal segments. The 3S technique is merely one stage in the treatment of the saphenous vein, aimed at suppressing reflux, and associated with sclerosis of the junction. It must always be combined with later sclerotherapy sessions.

Methods: One hundred and eight patients were operated on by the 3S technique, of which 100 had 1-year follow-up. Each patient was checked by duplex scan examination before treatment, and 1 month and 1 year after.

Results: We obtained good results without reflux in 96% at the sapheno-femoral junction at 1 year.

Conclusions: Superficial venous insufficiency is a chronic disease with evolution or recurrences. To appreciate the efficiency of 3S technique, it will be better to have 5 years worth of follow-up. This is a preliminary study with a short follow-up.