Assessment of Risk Factors, Causes, and Anatomical Patterns of Varicose Veins recurrence Following Surgical and Endovenous Interventions: A Prospective Single-Centre Cohort Study

Abstract

Recurrence rates appear to be rising with time in patients who underwent surgery for varicose veins. Following a follow-up period of three to eleven years, clinical recurrence rates ranging from 26% to 62% have been reported. Recurrences are due to variations in the initial therapy, recurrence measurement technique, and follow-up period.
Aims and objectives:
To identify the risk factors, possible causes and patterns of recurrence following all modalities of varicose veins surgery.
Methods:
This observational study was conducted in Department of General Surgery in Narayana Medical College Hospital to identify the risk factors, possible causes and patterns of recurrence following varicose veins surgery. A total of 40 Patients with recurrent varicose veins after surgery were recruited in to the study between October 2023 to August 2025.
Results:
Recurrent varicose vein after surgery was noted among 17.5% of the cases who underwent Endo venous laser ablation (EVLA) and 82.5% who underwent Trendelenburg procedure (TP). Probable causes for recurrence were found to be in surgeries of Double long saphenous vein (27.5%), Double short saphenous vein (15%), involvement of Neovascularization (37.5%), Inadequate pre-operative- evaluation (17.5%) and incomplete surgery (2.5%) the patients. Areas of body where Recurrence occurred included inguinal (2.5%), thigh (12.5%), popliteal fossa (15%), legs (20%) and both thigh and leg (50%) of the patients.
Conclusions:This study concluded that patients who underwent TP had more recurrences when compared to EVLA procedure. Among cause for recurrence, neovascularisation being the most common and body areas of recurrence being both thighs and legs.