Stripping of the greater and lesser saphenous veins: long-term follow-up with pre- and post-operative evaluation of function

Background and Objective. Little data is available on the log-term effects of stripping the greater and lesser saphenous veins in combination with pre - and post-operative function tests. The goal of this study was to record t he long-term course after surgery based on the function data. Patients/Methods. Drain-off capability was measured preoperatively and post operatively by light reflection rheography in 203 patients (58 men, 145 wom en) between 17 and 79 years. Questionnaires were used about 9 years after s urgery to determine the nature of the post-operative complaints. Results. Nine years after surgery 58% of the patients still had no discomfo rt, and 78% had fewer problems with venous ulcers. About 60% reported impro vement of swelling and skin changes. The results tended to be better in men . Freedom of complaints was longer-lasting where venous drainage had been g ood before surgery. Conclusions. Stripping operations can produce long-lasting improvement of v enous ulceration and the above-mentioned complaints in a high percentage of patients.