Alternative Treatment for Superficial Saphenous Venous Insufficiency: Ligation with the Guidance of Stripper

Abstract

Introduction: Endovenous techniques are accepted as the first-line treatment in superficial venous insufficiency. However, the application of these techniques can be restricted in cases where the saphenous vein is located superior to the fascia and close to the dermis. In this paper, we present the outcomes of alternative surgical techniques applied for superficial venous insufficiency. Patients and Methods: A total of 78 patients undergoing ligation and division of the saphenous vein between January 1, 2016 and January 18, 2018 were included. Postoperative saphenous vein flow and complications such as ecchymosis, phlebitis, and burns were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The mean age was 44.8 ± 7.6 years, and 63% (n= 49) of the patients were women. In the postoperative period, there were no skin complications, except for three short-period paresthesia cases (3.8%) and two minimal ecchymosis cases. Furthermore, according to the postoperative Doppler ultrasonographic examinations, no saphenous vein reflux was detected in any patient. Conclusion: Ligation and division of the saphenous vein decreases the rates of postoperative skin complications in patients with superficial venous insufficiency. This technique can be kept in mind as an alternative surgical method because it has low skin complication rates and is cost effective.