Ambulatory phlebectomy in the elderly: Review of 100 consecutive cases

Objective: To analyse the results of ambulatory phlebectomy performed in elderly patients. Design: Two-year study of 100 consecutive patients on whom ambulatory phlebectomy was performed in 140 limbs as part of the treatment for varicose veins. Setting: Private practice, specialist vein clinic. Patients: 100 patients over 65 years of age, involving 140 limbs. Results: Ambulatory phlebectomy performed as part of the overall treatment of varicose veins in elderly patients has proven to be a satisfactory procedure when performed in an office setting and under local anaesthesia. Conclusions: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a most satisfactory procedure for the treatment of varicose veins in the elderly. The patients in this study tolerated the procedure extremely well. Complications were minimal and no different from those encountered in younger patients. Results were most gratifying to both the patient and the surgeon.