Summary

Aim: To check the question of an unavoidable recurrenceor neoreflux of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) des-pitecorrectly performed ligation of the SFJ. Patientsand method: In a prospective colour duplex controlledstudy 75 ligations of the SFJ (52 patients) wereexamined. In all cases the correct performance of theligation of the SFJ was verified by two colour duplexscans (4^th or 5 ^th day, after three months). Two yearspostoperatively another duplex examination was per-formedto find out whether a reflux had developped atthe site of the former ligation with origin in the commonfemoral vein. Results: In eight cases (10.7%) an in-sufficientrefluxbearing vein branch was found with anaverage diameter of 3.3 mm (2.5-4.8 mm) whichhad led to one true recurrence of the SFJ while showingno clinical consequences in seven cases. Conclusion:Even after correctly performed ligation of the SFJ arecurrence or a neoreflux may occur. The question, ifthis is caused by true neovascularisation can be ans-weredonly indirectly. Operation techniques were intro-ducedwith containment of the SFJ or with closure ofthe stump endothelium. Both techniques are suitedto reduce the quota of postoperative neoreflux. Theeffectiveness of these operation techniques approve thehypothesis of neovascularisation.Unavoidable recurrence and neoreflux after correctlyperformed ligation of the saphenofemoral junction:neovascularisation?Unavoidable recurrence and neoreflux aftercorrectly performed ligation of the saphenofemoraljunction: neovascularisation?