Pre- and Postoperative Evaluation by Photoplethysmography in Patients Receiving Surgery for Lower-Limb Varicose Veins

Abstract EN

Objective.

To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery in treating primary varicose veins in the lower limbs by photoplethysmography (PPG) and duplex mapping (DM).

Method.

Forty-eight lower limbs were clinically evaluated according to the CEAP classification system and subjected to PPG and DM exams.

Each limb had a venous refill time (VRT) of <20 seconds and a normal deep vein system (DVS) by DM.

Results.

The mean pre- and postoperative VRTs were 13.79 and 26.43 seconds, respectively (P<0.0001).

After surgery, 42 limbs (87.50%) had normal results by PPG (VRT > 20 seconds).

Four limbs (8.33%) showed improved VRTs, but the VRTs did not reach 20 seconds.

In the 2 limbs (4.17%) that maintained their original VRTs, the DM exams showed the presence of insufficient perforating veins.

Conclusion.

In most cases, PPG allows for a satisfactory evaluation of the outcome of varicose vein surgery.