Objective To study effects of different surgical methods in the treatment of varicose veins of lower limb. Methods A total of 236 cases of varicose veins (319 lower limbs) were treated from January 1994 to January 2005 with different surgical procedures, including 136 cases of high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (184 limbs), 63 cases of high ligation and stripping combined with subcutaneous continuous circumferential suture-ligation (86 limbs), 7 cases of endovenous laser therapy (9 limbs), and 30 cases of minimally invasive arthroscopic reaming (40 limbs; Two mini-incisions were made on the leg to introduce the arthroscope and reamer respectively, and the varicose veins were removed). Results Follow-up observations were made in 207 cases (87.7%, 275 limbs) for 3~12 months (mean, 10.6 months), involving all the 7 cases of endovenous laser therapy and all the 30 cases of arthroscopic reaming. Postoperatively the sense of soreness and dragging pain and claudication disappeared. Chronic ulcers cleared up at 3~6 postoperative weeks in 125 limbs out of 137 limbs. Mild adverse effects of subcutaneous hematoma or local solid feeling subsided within 3~5 weeks. Conclusions Each of the 4 surgical procedures has its own indications. Minimally invasive arthroscopic reaming is a safe, effective and little invasive novel treatment for varicose veins of lower limb.