Persistent reflux below the knee after stripping of the great saphenous vein.

Objectives: This prospective study investigated persistent reflux of the below knee great saphenous knee (GSV) 2 years after stripping the above knee GSV and the effect on reflux of postoperative incompetent perforating veins (IPVs).

Methods: Included were 59 consecutive ambulatory patients in a community hospital with untreated primary varicose veins and reflux of the saphenofemoral junction and at least the GSV in the upper leg. Patients underwent a preoperative clinical examination and color flow duplex ultrasound imaging.