Long-term results of treatments for varicose veins due to greater saphenous vein insufficiency

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term recurrence rates of greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency after treatments for primary varicose veins, and to elucidate risk factors for recurrence.This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 376 limbs of 296 patients treated for primary varicose veins due to GSV insufficiency from January 1996 to December 1997. The recurrence-free rates after stripping surgery, saphenofemoral ligation, and sclerotherapy were estimated. The risk factors for the recurrence of primary varicose veins were estimated by multiple regression analysis.The follow-up period was 3.1+/-1.3 (mean+/-SD) years. The recurrence-free rates at 4 years after stripping, saphenofemoral ligation and sclerotherapy were 80.7%, 64.5%, and 51.3%, respectively. The saphenofemoral ligation group and sclerotherapy group had significantly higher recurrence rates than the stripping group (P=0.002, P0.001, respectively). There was no difference in recurrence rates between the saphenofemoral ligation group and sclerotherapy group (P=0.074). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being female (P0.029) and treatment without stripping (P0.001) increased the recurrence rate.Stripping surgery may be the treatment of first choice for patients with varicose veins due to GSV insufficiency. Patients who have not received stripping surgery and female patients require closer follow-up.