Preoperative determination of anatomic variations of the small saphenous vein for varicose vein surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography

Abstract

Objective To define the anatomical variations of small saphenous vein (SSV) for varicose vein (VV) surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography (3D-CTV) and to analyse the impact of this preoperative evaluation on surgical outcomes. Methods A total of 120 consecutive limbs with SSV insufficiency having undergone VV surgery from January 2005 until December 2007 were enrolled. The medical records and images were analysed retrospectively. Results The relationship between SSV and gastrocnemial vein (GNV) were categorized into two: (a) SSV and GNV drained to popliteal vein (PV) separately (100 limbs, 87%) and (b) SSV and GNV made common channel which drained to PV (15 limbs, 13%). Saphenopopliteal junction morphology was normal (75 limbs), severe tortuosity near PV (19 limbs), ampullary ectasia (4 limbs) and duplicated drainage to PV (2 limbs). No recurrence of VV was noted. Conclusions CTV can provide thorough preoperative anatomic information of the SSV variations and reduce the recurrence of VV.