Audit of varicose vein surgery: the patients' perspective

Abstract

Objectives: Varicose veins cause varying symptoms and post-surgical patient dissatisfaction is not uncommon. We aimed to identify patients' reasons for having surgery and sought to identify measures for improvement. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to patients. The patients' preoperative symptoms and postoperative satisfaction were enquired upon. Replies were cross-referenced to the operation notes. Results: Three hundred and thirty-five patients completed the questionnaire. The consultant carried out 73% of operations, with 27% being carried out by trainees. In all, 41% of patients were very satisfied with surgery, 39% were satisfied, 17% were dissatisfied and 4% were very dissatisfied. In those whose operation was carried out by a consultant, 18% were dissatisfied as compared with 31% of those operated on by a trainee. Conclusion: The vast majority of patients are satisfied with varicose vein surgery and there are modifiable factors such as grade of surgeon and supervision, which can influence the outcome and satisfaction.