DAY-CARE SURGERY OF VARICOSE-VEINS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and the accepta nce of day care varicose veins surgery in elderly patients. Forty-six consecutive patients more than sixty five years old (51 legs) were ope rated on for varicose veins under locoregional anesthesia and day care stay: the interventions were 4 saphenectomies, 25 short strippings, 1 0 crossectomies (proximal saphenous ligation) of which 6 were with sho rt saphenous removal, and 12 varicectomies and interruptions of perfor ator veins. All patients went home after five to six hours from operat ion and none required readmission to hospital. Complications were mini mal and comprised 2 wound infections. Inquiry into the patients' opini ons suggested that both local anesthesia and day care were very accept able. In conclusion the day care phlebological surgery has been shown to be both safe and acceptable in selected elderly patients.