Great saphenous vein surgery without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether great saphenous vein (GSV) surgery without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) is beneficial in terms of varicose vein recurrence. Methods This was a prospective randomized trial set in a private practice. From December 2000 to May 2004, 120 patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated preoperatively to two groups undergoing GSV surgery with (group A, n = 60) or without (group B, n = 60) high ligation of the SFJ. In four patients (two in each group), both limbs were operated on. Inclusion criteria were primary varicose veins with SFJ incompetence resulting in GSV reflux. Exclusion criteria were age