Day-case re-do varicose vein surgery

• Published in: Phlebology 2014-07, Vol.29 (6), p.355-357
• Main Authors: Nagpal, Kamal, Glore, RJ, Chong, Peter Lee, Singh, Sewa, Pillay, Woolagasen, Tan, Peter, Cuschieri, RJ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0268-3555; 1758-1125
• DOI: 10.1177/0268355513486869

Objective:To assess whether re-do varicose vein surgery as a day case is feasible and safe. Methods:Data were collected retrospectively on 70 consecutive patients (77 legs) undergoing re-do sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal ligation by consultant surgeons as day cases. Follow-up was by structured telephone interview. Results:The 70 patients comprised 53 females and 17 males. Median age and body mass index were 47.5 years and 27, respectively. All patients were ASA Grade I or II. Median operating time was 75 min (range 25–140). Of the 70 patients intended to be treated as day cases, four (5.7%) were admitted overnight. There were no were re-admissions nor did any patient develop deep vein thrombosis. Eleven per cent developed wound infection and 4% transient lymphatic leakage. Overall, 91% of patients were pleased with the initial surgical result but this decreased to 81% in the longer term. Eighty-nine per cent would have their surgery performed again as a day case. Conclusion:Re-do sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal can be performed safely as a day case.