Quantitative measurements of venous reflux by duplex scanning of the incompetent long saphenous vein before and after high ligation at the saphenofemoral junction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) on the amount of reflux in the long saphenous vein using quantitative duplex scanning. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: 23 patients presented with 29 limbs showing signs of isolated insufficiency of the long saphenous vein. INTERVENTION: High ligation of the SFJ. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of reflux (s), peak velocity (m/s), mean velocity (m/s) and mean flow (ml/s) at the SFJ, and in the mid-thigh, the distal thigh and the proximal lower leg before and four weeks after high ligation. RESULTS: All variables except duration of reflux improved significantly at all levels in the 29 limbs studied. One limb showed no improvement in flow at the level of the SFJ, 9 in the mid-thigh, 13 in the distal thigh, and 15 in the proximal lower leg (just below the knee). CONCLUSION: High ligation was effective in reducing reflux at the SFJ, but in about half the limbs the distal reflux in the long saphenous vein remained.