[Comparative study of the clinical examination and the Doppler examination of the external saphenous vein: apropos of 191 cases].

The systematic investigation of the short saphenous vein, from its terminal anastomosis in the popliteal space to the retromalleolar sulcus, using a doppler examination, produces a number of contradictions in comparison with the traditional clinical examination using palpation and succussion sign. In fact, 207 contradictory cases have been detected in which 2/3 of the Doppler examinations were positive without obvious clinical signs, then only 1/3 were positive at clinical examination, and 2/3 negative using the Doppler. These contradictory results ought, in the author's opinion, to mean the systematic use of the Doppler, at least the ultrasound, in standard examinations of the short saphenous areas. Surgical treatment of the short saphena should be envisaged if reflux is found into the retromalleolar sulcus. A simple resection of the saphenofemoral junction will not mean the complete eradication of reflux in this area.