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.

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Keywords: SURGERY; VARICOSE VEINS; FOLLOW-UP

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588403321001462

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

Publication date: 2003-01-01

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• The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England is the official journal of the College and is published eight times a year in January, March, April, May, July, September, October and November. The main aim of the journal is to publish high quality, peer-reviewed papers that relate to all branches of surgery.
  
  The Annals also includes letters and comments, a regular technical section, NICE news, controversial topics, CORESS feedback, book reviews and the best trainee presentations from England and Wales. The editorial board is composed of members of the College Council and experts from across the surgical specialties.
  
  Archive issues of the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England are available via the PubMed Central database
  
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