Background: High-ligation and stripping (HL/S) and external valvuloplasty (eVP) with the implantation of an external device to restore the valve's function, are surgical methods to eliminate reflux at the saphenofemoral junction. Furthermore, redo-surgery (RedoS) can be performed in terms of same side groin recurrences. It is unclear, if there is a difference in quality of life (QoL) between these 3 surgical treatment options. Therefore, it was the aim of our study to elucidate QoL in patients before and after surgical treatment at the saphenofemoral junction by comparing HL/S, eVP, and RedoS.
Methods: A total of 303 participants (156 HL/S, 81eVP, 64 RedoS) were recruited during the daily clinical routine. QoL was measured at admission and 6 weeks after the surgical procedure by means of SF-12 (12 item short form health survey) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire.
Results: The mean value of Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire was 14.5 (SD 2.1) preoperatively and 4.9 (SD 3.3) postoperatively in the HL/S group, 16.4 (SD 1.4) preoperatively and 6.8 (SD 2.5) postoperatively in the eVP group and 15.5 (2.2) preoperatively and 5.8 (SD 4.2) postoperatively in the RedoS group, which was statistically significant (P< 0.05) in all groups. Postoperatively, the mean values were statistically significant within the groups. Concerning physical aspects of the SF-12 we found a significant improvement in the RedoS group, while mental aspects were significantly better in the HL/S and eVP group postoperatively. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance of these SF-12 differences is questionable under consideration of the minimal important difference.
Conclusions: Varicose vein surgery leads to a significant improvement of QoL in all groups. The implantation of an external patch could have a negative influence in QoL.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.