Causes of recurrence of great saphenous vein after varicotomy in lower extremity

Objective:To explore the causes of recurrence and swelling of great saphenous vein after varicotomy in lower extremities.Methods: The data were gathered from Sept.2006 to Feb.2008 and a total of 28 patients(39 lower extremities)with the recurrence of varicose veins after varicotomy were analyzed retrospectively.All patients received ascending phlebograph and color Doppler ultrasonography for superficial and perforating veins.Results: The causes of recurrence were due to remnant of the main trunk and partial branches of great saphenous vein(16 limbs),complication of insufficiency of deep venous valves(16 limbs)or insufficiency of perforating veins(26 limbs),sequelae after deep venous thrombosis(6 limbs),Cocket syndrome(2 limbs)or leucoma(2 limbs) Conclusion :Many causes are responsible for the recurrence of varicose veins after varicotomy in lower extremities since three venous systems are involved,but insufficiency of perforating veins and deep valves are the leading ones resulting in the recurrence.Comprehensive pre-operative image examination and right choice of operation may lead to less recurrence of this disease.