Recurrent varicose veins

Abstract

Recurrence of varicose veins after treatment has been reported as being between 7% and 65%. During the five month period from August to December 1993, 400 operations on 265 patients were performed for varicose vein disease. Of these, 53 patients had presented with recurrent vein disease in 72 limbs (18%). All patients underwent Duplex scanning of their deep and superficial systems and sites of venous incompetence were identified. The sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) was found to be incompetent in 52 limbs, of which 31 had previously undergone flush ligation. Sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ) was incompetent in 33 limbs, while the long saphenous vein (LSV) was found to be incompetent in 67 cases. There were no major complications in this group. Minor complications occurred in 10 cases (14%), mainly in the form of thigh paraesthesia. The more common causes of recurrent disease have been identified and therefore, it should be possible to reduce its incidence. Duplex scanning is essential for any unit dealing with recurrence.