Great saphenous vein sparing versus stripping in Trendelenburg operation for primary varicose veins: a prospective study

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of the great saphenous vein (GSV) sparing versus stripping during Trendelenburg operation for varicose veins. <br><b>Methods:</b> This was a prospective randomized study of primary varicose vein patients who underwent Trendelenburg operation. Data of patients operated on over a period of 16 months was collected, including: below knee GSV diameter by Duplex Ultrasound and revised venous clinical severity score (rVCSS), calculated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2^nd, 4^th, and 8^th week. <br><b>Results:</b> A total of 36 patients undergoing Trendelenburg operation were included in the study. Nineteen patients underwent GSV sparing while 17 underwent stripping of GSV till just below the knee after juxtafemoral flush ligation of the great saphenous vein. There was a significant decrease in the below-knee GSV diameter (19% after 2 months) and rVCSS (60.8%) in the sparing group. The stripping group also showed an almost similar decrease in below-knee GSV diameter (19.6% after 2 months) and rVCSS (66.3%). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of change in GSV diameter (P = 0.467) and rVCSS (P = 0.781). <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Trendelenburg procedure with sparing of GSV can be done routinely for operative management of varicose veins, where surgery is needed.