Surgery for varicose veins: use of tourniquet.

Background: Varicose vein surgery is a common surgical procedure but there is no consensus regarding the best surgical technique. The use of tourniquets during varicose vein surgery has been advocated as a means of reducing the potential for blood loss during the operation.

Objectives: To identify whether the use of a tourniquet should be recommended when undertaking surgery for the management of primary varicose veins.