Quantitative measurements of venous reflux by duplex scanning of the incompetent long saphenous vein before and after high ligation at the saphenofemoral junction.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) on the amount of reflux in the long saphenous vein using quantitative duplex scanning.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS: 23 patients presented with 29 limbs showing signs of isolated insufficiency of the long saphenous vein.

INTERVENTION: High ligation of the SFJ.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of reflux (s), peak velocity (m/s), mean velocity (m/s) and mean flow (ml/s) at the SFJ, and in the mid-thigh, the distal thigh and the proximal lower leg before and four weeks after high ligation.

RESULTS

All variables except duration of reflux improved significantly at all levels in the 29 limbs studied. One limb showed no improvement in flow at the level of the SFJ, 9 in the mid-thigh, 13 in the distal thigh, and 15 in the proximal lower leg (just below the knee).

CONCLUSION

High ligation was effective in reducing reflux at the SFJ, but in about half the limbs the distal reflux in the long saphenous vein remained.