IngentaConnect The outcome of varicose vein surgery at 10 years: clinical findin...

Authors: Campbell W.B.¹; Vijay Kumar A.¹; Collin T.W.¹; Allington K.L.¹; Michaels J.A.²

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 85, Number 1, January 2003 , pp. 52-57(6)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

Background: Data on long-term outcomes of varicose vein surgery are sparse, and 'success' rates vary substantially depending on the method of assessment. This study used a variety of methods to evaluate patients 10 years after operation.

Methods: A consecutive cohort of 100 patients was identified, of whom 70 (151 operated limbs) were reviewed - 50 by clinical and Doppler examination, and all by structured questionnaire.

Results: A few months after operation, symptoms were 'cured' or 'much better' in 89% of patients, and remained so at 10 years in 77%. Only 30% patients were completely free of recurrent varicose veins at 10 years (both by self- and clinician-assessment): 44% had 'just a few' varicosities while 26% had varicose veins 'as badly as before'. Only 24 patients (34%) were not 'generally pleased' at 10 years, because of continuing symptoms (3), recurrent varicosities (13), and other miscellaneous reasons.

Conclusions: Although some recurrence of varicose veins is frequent 10 years after operation, surgery provides long-term relief of symptoms in the great majority of patients.

Keywords: SURGERY; VARICOSE VEINS; FOLLOW-UP

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1308/003588403321001462

Affiliations: 1: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK 2: Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK

The outcome of varicose vein surgery at 10 years: clinical findings, symptoms and patient satisfaction