External valvuloplasty in the treatment of greater sophenous vein insufficiency:: 5-year results

External valvuloplasty of the sapheno-femoral junction is a vein-sparing operation which can be performed in selected cases of greater sophenous vein insufficiency. The procedure can be carried out through a small groin incision. Patients, methods: 50 patients (54 legs) were prospectively studied and reexamined a mean of 54 months after operation. The severity of the symptoms and the satisfaction with the procedure were recorded. Furthermore, the venous refill time, the severity of reflux and the diameter of the greater sophenous vein were examined preoperatively and at follow-up. Results: In 46 cases (85%) the patients were satisfied with the outcome. At follow-up, the mean severity of symptoms was significantly lower in each symptom category. The venous refill time was prolonged by a mean of 5 s and the diameter of the greater saphenous vein was reduced by a mean of 3 mm. Reflux in the sapheno-femoral junction despite the volvuloplosty was demonstrated in 6 legs (11.1%) and treatment for recurrent symptoms was necessary in 10 (18.5%) limbs. Conclusion: At follow-up 5 years postoperatively external valvuloplasty of the sapheno-femoral junction offers good results in terms of patient satisfaction, relief of symptoms and recurrence rate. With long-term results still pending, this vein-sparing operation might be an alternative to stripping in selected patients.