İnvisigrip® ile Yapılan Diz Üstü Stripping ile Klasik Stripping Metodlarının Karşılaştırılması: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışma

Objective: Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, postoperative morbidity; venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) and patient satisfaction levels between classical above the knee great saphenous vein (GSV) strippping and stripping with InvisiGrip®. Material and Methods: Between December 2007 and March 2008, 40 consecutive patients with GSV varicosities were randomized into two groups after getting approval from local ethics committee and informed consent. While patients in Group I (n= 20) underwent classical above the knee GSV stripping, patients in Group II (n= 20) underwent stripping with InvisiGrip®. All patients were classified according to CEAP classification and VCSSs were calculated. At the postoperative period pain, mobilization, ecchymosis, wound infection, hematom and patient satisfactions were recorded. Patients were followed at postoperative 2nd day, 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, 6th month and 1st year. Results: Due to lack of a second incision at the knee level, mobilization was faster in Group II. That was also the reason for returning to social activities more rapidly. Patient satisfaction was also higher in Group II when compared to Group I. Cosmetic results were also satisfying in Group II. There was wound infection in neither group. There was also no difference in VCCS during the follow-up period except the 1st postoperative week. Conclusion: In the treatment of GSV varicosities as a minimally invasive treatment modality InvisiGrip® vein stripper, is an effective and acceptable alternative method that avoids second incision. This method is cosmetic, user friendly, safe, efficient procedure with hope giving results.