Causes and treatment of recurrent varicose veins after varicotomy in lower extremities

Objective:To investigate the causes of recurrent varicose veins in lower extremities after varicotomy and the prevention and management of relapse.Methods: Retrospectively analyzed were in 32 patients(38 lower extremities) with the recurrent varicose veins after varicotomy,between May,2004 and Jun.2009.All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasonography and ascending venography of deep vein in lower extremities for the function estimation of superficial and deep femoral veins as well as perforating veins.Treatment was based on the causes of recurrence.Results: The relapse was attributable to remnant of the main trunk and partial branches of great saphenous vein(15 limbs)associated with insufficiency of perforating venous valves(4 limbs),simple insufficiency of perforating venous valves(13 limbs),primary deep venous insufficiency(7 limbs),sequelae after deep venous thrombosis(1 limbs)and ipsilateral Cocket syndrome(1limbs).Some of the cases were cured and the others obtained partial remission after treatment.Conclusion: Improper surgical procedure,unskilled performance and crude postoperative management should be responsible for recurrent varicose veins after varicotomy,yet,careful preoperative examination,intensive diagnosis,right surgical plan and skilled technique may reduce the relapse of this disease.