The surgical treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity with primary deep venous insufficiency

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical treatment for varicose veins with deep venous insufficiency of the lower extremity. Methods From Nov.1990 to Jun 2000,189 patients (245 limbs) with varicose veins of the lower extremity accompanying deep vein reflux of 3～4 grade were treated in our department. Patients were randomly divided into trial group(133 limbs) and control group(112 limbs) receiving high ligation with stripping of the great saphenous vein in the control group, and additional external banding valvuloplasty of the superficial femoral vein in the trial group. ResultsThe operation was 100% successful in the two groups, 87% of the postoperative patients was followed up with an average of 4 years (ranging from 6 months to 9 years and 2 months). The recurrence rate in the two groups was the same (3.3%), and symptoms and signs had a great improvement. The two groups were not significantly different in treatment efficacy (P0.05). ConclusionsWhen varicose veins of the lower extremity with deep vein insufficiency exists, patients should undergo high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, additional correction of the deep vein reflux provides no further effect.