Reconstructive surgery for deep venous reflux: a report on 144 cases

This retrospective study was conducted on 144 lower extremities (133 patients) with deep venous reflux treated with surgery to restore venous valvular function. Clinically, 51% of patients were in class C5-C6, and based on etiology, patients were equally divided into primary and secondary venous disease. Four surgical procedures were used: valvuloplasty (n=85), transposition (n=18), transplantation (n=32), or Psathakis' technique II (n=9). The procedure chosen was determined mainly by the feasibility of the technique in the above-mentioned preferred order. Thus, 76% of valvuloplasties were performed for primary venous insufficiency. A postoperative venography routinely performed soon after surgery demonstrated a large number of segmental thromboses (20.3%). Their number was statistically different in primary and secondary (PTS) venous disease, respectively 8.8 vs 32.3%. Clinical and hemodynamic results were evaluated (duration of follow-up: 12-168 months) based on etiology and type of procedure. A correlation was established between clinical result (venous ulcer) and efficacy of valvular reconstruction. The latter was satisfactory in valvuloplasties (P=0.005) but not in venous transfer (P=0.35). Overall results were better for primary venous insufficiency than in postthrombotic syndromes (P=0.03).