Objective: To describe a new technique for limited stripping (in the thigh) of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) to avoid painful postoperative haematomas. Design: Pilot study. Setting: General Hospital Linz, Second Surgical Department, Linz, Austria. Patients: Sixteen patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery for varices on the long saphenous vein. CEAP clinical stage: C2 ( n = 12), C3 ( n = 4). Intervention: Removal of the GSV from the thigh by endoscopic dissection with electrocautery division of the main tributaries. Phlebectomy for varices in GSV tributaries. Main outcome measures: Clinical assessment of the extent of haematomas and cosmetic appearance. Results: Fifteen of 16 operations were completed as intended without any technical problem. In one case conversion to conventional stripping was required due to adhesion of the saphenous vein to a previous operation scar in the thigh. The median total operation time for one limb was 57 min. A postoperative haematoma occurred in only one patient. There was no additional postoperative complication. Conclusion: Endostripping is a new technique for stripping of the GSV and reduces postoperative haematoma. It can be performed in a reasonable operation time and is safe. The value of this technique should be assessed in clinical trials.
A new technique for reducing subcutaneous hemorrhage afterstripping of the great saphenous vein