RECURRENT VARICOSE-VEINS - A VARICOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS LEADING TO A NEW PRACTICAL CLASSIFICATION

The varicograms of 128 legs were reviewed by a panel of two vascular s urgeons and a radiologist with a specialist vascular interest. Varicog raphy effectively elucidates the anatomical basis of recurrence. Recur rent varicose veins were associated with (i) technically unsatisfactor y surgery at the saphenofemoral junction (66 per cent) and (ii) failur e to remove the long saphenous vein in the thigh (60 per cent). A new classification is offered as a basis for comparison of series, audit a nd surgical training.