Late results after high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (crossectomy) combined with sclerotherapy

Method: 70 patients with primary varicose veins which were subjected to hig h ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (crossectomy) with subsequent scl erotherapy in 1994 were reassessed 1, 2 and 4 years after operation. Result : The investigation included a physical examination, Doppler and duplex son ography and in 40 of them strain gauge plethysmography as well. Four years after operation, the trunk of the long saphenous vein on the thigh was open and insufficient in 81.5% of patients. Recurrencies due to this saphenous reflux occurred in 51.4% of cases. 84.2% of the preoperatively symptomatic patients were free of symptoms 4 years after operation. Before treatment, t he strain gauge plethysmography showed a severe venous disturbance in oil p atients. After operation, a marked, statistically highly significant improv ement of the venous hemodynamics was achieved during the whole period of ob servation including 4 years after operation (p <0.0005). Conclusion: It is supposed that the absence of complaints after this treatment was not due to the placebo-effect, but was the consequence of the marked improvement of t he hemodynamic situation.