Treatment of recurrent varicosity of the great saphenous vein arch via proximal access

Abstract

The most common cause of recurrence of varicose veins in the lower limbs is inadequate dissection of the internal saphenous arch, with ligature that is not flush to the saphenofemoral junction. Direct access to the scar tissue of previous surgery should be avoided to the maximum because of the high risk of bleeding and of lymphatic injuries. Access proximal to the scar tissue, initially at the common femoral vein, above the saphenofemoral junction, continuing caudally to the saphenous arch, proved to be an effective and relatively simple technique when compared to medial, lateral and direct approaches.

Keywords:
saphenous vein; recurrence; varicose veins