Aims: To compare the ability of vascular and general surgical services to abolish reflux in superficial venous system with a special reference to preoperative use of Doppler techniques.
Materials and methods: 68 lower limbs operated on for venous insufficiency based on either preoperative Duplex evaluation and Doppler marking in a vascular surgical unit (Vascular Surgical Service, VSS: 33 limbs, clinical class C2-C6) or clinical findings in a general surgical unit (General Surgical Service, GSS: 35 limbs, clinical class C2-C4) were re-examined clinically and with duplex scanning for reflux some three years postoperatively.
Results: Marked superficial or perforator vein reflux was observed in 27 of 68 (39.7 %) operated limbs, thirteen of which in VSS and fourteen in GSS. However, axial reflux at saphenofemoral or thigh level was observed significantly less in VSS compared to GSS (3 vs 13, p = 0,006).
Conclusion: Total ablation of any reflux appeared difficult irrespective of the preoperative assessment. Preoperative Duplex examination, however, aided in identifying and treating axial reflux at thigh level.