External banding valvuloplasty for incompetence of the great saphenous vein: 10-year results

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: External banding valvuloplasty (EBV) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients with varicose veins is still controversial. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of EBV in selected patients with an insufficiency of the GSV after a mean follow-up of 92.6 months.

METHODS: A total of 101 limbs underwent EBV for the treatment of a GSV insufficiency. Thirty-one limbs from 27 patients (three men, 24 women; mean age 44.2 years; range 19 to 58 years) were re-examined and followed for a mean of 92.6 months. The venous volume, venous filling index, ejection fraction and residual venous fraction were analyzed preoperatively and at the follow-up using air plethysmography. The diameter and reflux of the GSV were evaluated using duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS: Overall, the mean (± SD) follow-up time was 92.6±22.3 months (range 46 to 138 months). At the follow-up, the preoperative venous hemodynamic states had improved significantly, to the following values: venous volume 96.0±32.3 mL to 83.4±32.6 mL; venous filling index 3.6±2.9 mL/min to 2.4±2.2 mL/min; and residual venous fraction 39.7%±18.6% to 26.1%±16.8% (P<0.05). The diameter of the GSV was 6.4±1.4 mm preoperatively and 4.8±1.7 mm postoperatively (P<0.01). Reflux in the proximal GSV was demonstrated preoperatively in 19 (61.3%) of 31 limbs. During the follow-up period, four limbs (12.9%) had high ligation and stripping of the GSV performed due to the recurrence of varicosity.

CONCLUSION: EBV of the GSV provides good results in terms of the venous hemodynamics and decreasing the diameter of the GSV. EBV may be an alternative procedure to stripping or endovenous ablation therapy in selected patients.