Ra. Fitridge et al., A prospective randomized trial evaluating the haemodynamic role of incompetent calf perforating veins, AUST NZ J S, 69(3), 1999, pp. 214-216
Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the haemodynamic effect of inco
mpetent calf perforating veins in patients with uncomplicated varicose vein
s and long saphenous incompetence.
Methods: Thirty-eight limbs from 35 patients were studied. All patients had
uncomplicated varicose veins with both long saphenous and calf perforator
incompetence on duplex ultrasonography. Patients were randomized to have in
competent calf perforators ligated or left intact, in addition to saphenofe
moral junction ligation, strip of long saphenous vein to knee and stab avul
sion of any visible varicosities in the leg. Patients were assessed with ai
r plethysmography pre-operatively and 3 months postoperatively.
Results: Superficial venous surgery improved venous volume, venous filling
index and ejection fraction in the patient cohort. No significant haemodyna
mic difference was demonstrated between the two groups of patients who were
randomized.
Conclusions: At present, the results of this study do not support the use o
f routine perforator ligation during superficial surgery for uncomplicated
varicose veins.