‘Inversion’ Stripping of the Long Saphenous Vein

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Abstract
To assess a novel device designed for ‘inversion’ stripping of the long saphenous vein during varicose vein surgery. A prospective, randomized trial. The Day Surgery Unit of a District General Hospital. Thirty consecutive patients undergoing unilateral, varicose vein surgery, all fulfilling appropriate requirements for day surgery. Peroperative assessment of blood loss and postoperative assessment of complications, bruising, pain and length of stripper exit wound. ‘Inversion’ stripping caused less peroperative blood loss (p < 0.01). It reduced postoperative morbidity (for pain at 1 week, p = 0.02) and gave an improved cosmetic result (with a smaller stripper exit wound, p < 0.01). An easy-to-use, ‘inversion’ stripping device is described that can reduce the postoperative morbidity often associated with primary varicose vein surgery and can enhance cosmesis.