Outcomes of knee-groin great saphenous vein stripping in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

Background: The clinical importance of the remaining part of the great saphenous vein (GSV) after knee-groin (Short) stripping is not clearly understood. The aim is to compare long (Ankle-groin) and short GSV stripping methods in terms of symptoms, quality of life, recurrence and complications.Methods: A total of 26 patients with chronic venous insufficiency were classified as long and short GSV stripping groups. Results: Preoperatively, the two groups were similar in terms of all scoring systems. Patients with short GSV stripping had better scores in general health category of SF-36 (At postoperative 1st month), in categories of general health and emotional well-being (At postoperative 3rd month), and in the parameters of night cramps and heaviness in the legs (At postoperative 6th month), compared to those with long GSV stripping.Conclusions: Short GSV stripping may be considered as the first step surgical option in such patients.