Long-term recurrence and nerve injury after total and partial stripping ofthe great saphenous vein by external phleboextractor

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of an external phleb oextractor (EP) in improving the results of total and short stripping of th e great saphenous vein (GSV) with particular reference to saphenous nerve i njury occurring during the operations. Two hundred fifty-seven consecutive patients affected by varicose veins in the lower limbs (of which 22 had bil ateral diseases) underwent total (Group A) or partial (Group B) saphenectom ies by means of the Corcos' EP. The interventions were selected on the basi s of type of reflux diagnosed by clinical and Doppler ultrasound examinatio ns. The results were assessed 6 months and 3 years after operation. One hun dred four limbs were evaluated in Group A and 160 limbs in Group B. After 3 years, 101 limbs in Group A (97.1%) and 155 in Group B (96.8%) had excelle nt-to-good results in terms of recurrent varices. Neurological examinations were comparable between Group A (11 saphenous nerve injuries = 10.6%) and Group B (10 nerve injuries = 6.3%). This study shows that total or short st ripping of the GSV reduced varicose vein recurrence and neural complication using the EP.