Early experience of transilluminated cryosurgery for varicose vein with saphenofemoral reflux: review of 84 patients (131 limbs).
10.4174/astr.2017.93.2.98
- Author:
Kwang Yong KIM
1
;
Ji Won KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Kimjiw96@hallym.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Varicose vein;
Cryostripping;
Cryosurgery;
Saphenofemoral reflux
- MeSH:
Cellulitis;
Cicatrix;
Compression Bandages;
Cryosurgery*;
Extremities;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Groin;
Hematoma;
Humans;
Leg;
Male;
Operative Time;
Postoperative Complications;
Recurrence;
Saphenous Vein;
Seroma;
Skin;
Thrombophlebitis;
Varicose Veins*;
Venous Thrombosis;
Wound Infection;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2017;93(2):98-102
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Varicose veins with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency is prevalent. Among various surgical treatments for varicose veins, cryosurgery of GSV is an alternative minimally invasive technique that could leave fewer scars and replace conventional stripping with ambulatory phlebectomy. This study sought to assess outcomes including efficacy and safety of cryosurgery for varicose veins. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one limbs in 84 patients (37 male, 47 female; mean age, 53.3 years) with varicose veins were treated with cryosurgery over a 2-year period. The patients were followed for postoperative complication with surveillance of recurrence. The analyzed variables included age, sex, symptom, operative time (from skin incision to the application of elastic bandages on the legs for compression purposes), and postoperative complications including bruising, hematoma, superficial thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, seroma, cutaneous nerve damage, and wound complication. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 64.7 minutes for both limbs and 44 minutes for single limbs. The median number of incisions was 2. For stripping of GSV, one incision at the groin was necessary. Postoperative complications included an episode of hematoma in 3 limbs (2.3%), cutaneous nerve damage in 3 limbs (2.3%), cellulitis in 2 patients (1.5%), and seroma in 1 limb (0.8%). No wound infection, thrombophlebitis or deep venous thrombosis was observed. During follow-up (mean follow-up period, 13.5 months; range, 3–28 months), there was no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Cryosurgery to treat varicose veins is an effective and safe treatment modality in terms of postoperative complication, cosmetic result, and recurrence.
