Same site recurrence following standardized high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein - 5-year results of the LaVaCro trial.
Thomas Hummel, Georgios Papapostolou, Margit Broermann et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective multicentre study assessed five-year recurrence after standardized high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, including closure of the cribriform fascia, in patients treated at six German vein centres. Of 405 patients (519 legs) initially included, 225 patients (287 legs) attended five-year follow-up. Clinically apparent varicosis was present in 21 legs (7.32%); same-site groin recurrence was detected in five (1.74%), and only two cases were clinically relevant. Most clinically apparent varicose veins were attributed to perforator insufficiencies.
Key findings
- At five years, same-site groin recurrence was detected in five legs (1.74%); only two cases were clinically relevant.
- Clinically apparent varicosis occurred in 21 legs (7.32%) among the 287 legs examined at five-year follow-up.
- Most clinically apparent varicose veins were attributed to perforator insufficiencies.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that same-site groin recurrence was uncommon among patients examined five years after this standardized operation, while recurrent varicosities more often arose from perforator insufficiency. Distinguishing recurrence at the original junction from varicosities at other sites may help frame postoperative assessment and interpretation of recurrence outcomes.
What to keep in mind
Only 225 of the 405 included patients were available for five-year follow-up, so outcomes may not represent the full cohort.