Day case varicose vein surgery: Patient health outcome

Background: The success of day case varicose vein surgery (DCVVS) is traditionally defined clinically. However, the patient's perception of his or her own health prior to and following DCVVS has not been established. This study prospectively measured the health status of patients with varicose veins, compared this with established population norms and assessed the impact of DCVVS on both general health perception and varicose vein symptoms. Method: Fifty-three consecutive patients undergoing DCVVS over a 9 month period were enrolled in this study. The SF-36 health assessment questionnaire and a vein-symptom-specific questionnaire were administered on the morning of surgery, 7 weeks postoperatively and 1 year following surgery. All patients in this study underwent a standard varicose vein operation and followed a standard protocol of postoperative management. Results: DCVVS population health scores were lower than general population norms preoperatively. There was a significant improvement in the 7 week postoperative group in physical function and health perception (p > 0.05). One year after surgery physical function, health perception, mental health and physical role were significantly improved from preoperative scores (p > 0.05). Symptom-specific scores demonstrated a sustained trend towards improvement over the postoperative year. Conclusion: Varicose veins are associated with diminished well-being. Day case varicose vein surgery improves patient health perception and symptoms and is the treatment of choice for suitable patients with varicose veins.