The Validity of a Combined High Saphenous Division and Sclerotherapy for Varicose Vein

Choi, Se Yong; Won, Taehee; Yang, In Suk

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of a combined high saphenous vein division and sclerotherapy without sacrificing saphenous vein for varicose vein. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between August 2004 and October 2005, 70 limbs in 50 patients were treated by a combined high saphenous vein division and sclerotherapy. The operative indication is valvular incompetence of femoral-saphenous or popliteal-saphenous junction. Patients received local anesthesia and were treated by a combined high saphenous vein division, ligation of incompetent perforating vein and 1~3% sclerosant. Patients received 1 day hospitalization and applied in compression stocking for 6 weeks. Patients followed after 1 week, 1 and 3 months. RESULT: Mean age of patients was 50+/-11. The female was more common. 8 patients was no symptom, another 42 patients complained of pain, heaviness and fatigue of limbs. The symptoms of varicose vein disappeared 1 month after the procedure in all symptomatic patients. 8 patients needed a adjuvant sclerotherapy for residual varicose vein on 1 week after the procedure. There were only minor complications such as hematoma (1), wound infection (1), thrombophlebitis (20), skin blister (10), hyper-pigmentation (1), and skin ulcer (1).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that a combined high saphenous vein division and sclerotherapy without sacrificing saphenous vein for varicose vein is simple, less invasive, economical, and effective treatment for primary varicose vein, and it has a special advantage that saphenous vein can be used as a bypass conduit later. The method was selective in old aged patients.