A medial approach for open redo groin surgery for varicose vein recurrence Safe and effective

• Published in: Phlebologie (Stuttgart, Germany) Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 247 - 252
• Main Author: Nelzén, O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German; English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: neovascularisation; recurrence; redo surgery; Varicose vein
• ISSN: 0939-978X; 2567-5826
• DOI: 10.12687/phleb2154-5-2013

Summary Aims: To describe the technique of a medial approach for redo groin surgery for varicose vein recurrence and to report the one year prospective results for this procedure. Method: The standardised technique employed is described. Prospective one year data regarding the effectiveness of this procedure was taken from a one year audit performed 2009–2010 at Skaraborg Hospital. Details regarding this patient cohort and the surgery performed were registered. The outcome was measured by using venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and the disease specific quality of life was measured with the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ). Venous duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) was performed preoperatively, after 4–6 weeks and after one year. Results: Out of 255 venous operations 34 regarded redo groin surgery and these were assessed. Females dominated 25/34 and the median age was 55 years (range 26–80). All patients had a probable stump according to DUS. CEAP C3-C4 dominated 28 patients/ legs and C5-C6 in 4 legs. The median operating time was 69 minutes (range 35–120) and the operating time was significantly correlated to the number of incisions (p<0.001). The complication rate was 15 %, including 2 wound infections but no DVT or lymph leakage. Both the VCSS and the AVVQ scores were significantly improved after one year (p<0.001). After one year DUS detected recurrence in the groin was observed in 19 %, mostly neovascularisation. Conclusion: Redo groin surgery by a standardised medial approach is a safe and not an especially technically demanding technique that can be performed reasonably rapidly. The one year results are promising and the early DUS recurrence rate seems low.