Resecting the great saphenous stump with endothelial inversion decreases neither neovascularization nor thigh varicosity recurrence.

Background: Neovascularization at the saphenofemoral junction is one of the principal causes of recurrent varicose veins after great saphenous vein surgery. Because angiogenic stimulation from the exposed endothelium of the great saphenous vein stump is considered an important trigger for this process, we hypothesized that complete resection of the stump with endothelial inversion might lessen grade 2 groin neovascularization and thereby decrease recurrence of thigh varicosities.

Methods: Two groups of consecutive patients with primary varicose veins of the great saphenous vein were studied.