High Ligation with Sclerotherapy for Lesser Saphenous Varicose Veins

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of high ligation of saphenopopliteal junction with sclerotherapy under local anesthesia in the management of lesser saphenous vein varicosity. METHOD: Between September, 1998 and June, 2000, we managed 37 patients of lesser saphenous vein varicosity and the clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups one was 27 patients treated by high ligation of saphenopopliteal junction with sclerotherapy group under local anesthesia, and the other was 10 patients by stripping of lesser saphenous vein with stab avulsion group under general anesthesia. We compared the two groups on the basis of number of sclerotherapy after operation, recurrence, total cost and measure of health outcome with Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire. Of 37 patients, 20 patients in the high ligation group and 8 patients in the stripping group were available to follow-up with telephone. The differences between groups were tested with Mann-Whitney test. RESULT: The mean age was 42.4+/-8.1 year for the high ligation group and 47.1+/-12.2 year for the stripping group and the male to female ratio was 15.5 and 12.3 respectively. The mean number of sclerotherapy after first treatment was significantly more in high ligation group than stripping group (1.4 vs 0.3; P<0.001). The mean total cost was significantly higher in the stripping group than high ligation group (646,102 won vs 323,184 won; P=0.001). There was only one case of recurrence in the high ligation group. No statistical differences could be found between the two group concerning mean score of Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (11.10 vs 10.13; P=0.953). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the high ligation of saphenopopliteal junction with sclerotherapy under local anesthesia is very effective and sufficient treatment modality in the management of lesser saphenous vein varicosity.