Haemodynamic changes of the deep vein system of the leg after surgery of the incompetent great saphenous vein

Summary Surgical treatment of chronic venous disease primarily aims to restore the normal haemodynamic conditions in the venous system. The objective of the study was an assessment of the influence of incompetent saphenous vein removal on the haemodynamical changes within the venous and arterial system of the operated extremity. Patients, materials, methods: The study utilised a group of 50 patients presenting with varicose veins (C2 according to CEAP classification) and great saphenous vein incompetence selected for saphenous vein stripping. In all patients, duplex Doppler examination of femoral and popliteal veins as well as femoral and popliteal arteries was performed before surgery, on the first postoperative day and 30 days after surgery. Results: After the removal of an incompetent great saphenous vein, a statistically significant increase in the minute volume flow in the femoral (p = 0.0004) and popliteal veins (p = 0.0011) was observed. Following saphenous vein stripping, a statistically significant reduction of the venous reflux time in the deep vein system was also observed in the common femoral, femoral and popliteal veins, as compared to a pre-operative examination. Postoperatively, normalisation of the venous reflux time was achieved in 36–40% of patients from the group with concomitant deep vein system incompetence. As far as the arterial system is concerned, an increase in the volume flow in the femoral (p = 0.0463) and popliteal arteries was observed, but statistical significance was not achieved in the latter (p = 0.2912). Conclusion: The flow in the deep vein system increases after the removal of the incompetent great saphenous vein. In some patients with an incompetent deep vein system, venous reflux time returns to normal after the incompetent saphenous vein has been removed.