The retention of the great saphenous vein below-knee decreases saphenous nerve injury during varicose veins surgery

Objective To evaluate selective retention of the great saphenous vein (GSV) belowknee in the prevention of saphenous nerve injury during varicose veins surgery.Methods From January 2009 to January 2012,280 consecutive patients with incompetence of the GSV resulting in varicose veins were prospectively randomized into 2 groups.Patients in the experimental group underwent stripping restricted to the below knee level,patients in control group underwent GSV stripping to the ankle level Patients in the two groups were treated with transilluminated powered phlebectomy,and foam sclerotherapy.Primary end points were postoperative pain,saphenous nerve injury,quality of life and recurrence rate.Results After one month follow-up:5.71％ patients had symptoms of nervous system in the observation group,14.29％ patients had symptoms of nervous system in the control group (P =0.02).After 1 year follow-up,1.47％ patients had symptoms of nervous system in the observation group,7.14％ patients had symptoms of nervous system in the control group (P =0.02).Conclusions Selective retention of great saphenous vein below-knee decreases saphenous nerve injury. Key words: Varicose veins ;  Intraoperative complications ;  Injury, saphenous nerve