Diagnostic and Surgical Treatment of the Thrombophlebitis in the Saphenofemoral Junction

Purpose: This retrospective study reports on the diagnostic and surgical treatment of 10 patients with ascending thrombophlebitis in the proximal great saphenous vein with free-floating thrombi reaching into the common femoral vein. Materials and Methods: 10 patients were operated in our clinic for thrombophlebitis with free-floating thrombi in the saphenofemoral junction. Diagnosis of free-floating thrombi was made by B-mode and color-coded duplex ultrasound examination. Surgical thrombectomy was performed immediately. Results: No operative complications were observed, while 5 of 10 patients sustained preoperative pulmonary embolism. After successful thrombectomy and perioperative systemic heparinization, patients who had no PE and no thrombophilic disorders were discharged without any further anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion: The results of our retrospective study show that patients with an ascending thrombophlebitis should undergo ultrasound examination to detect free-floating thrombi reaching into the deep venous system. In case of freefloating thrombi, immediate surgical thrombectomy, which is safe and provides rapid recovery from symptoms, is indicated.