A Comparison between Cryosurgery and Conventional Stripping in Varicose Vein Surgery: Perioperative Features and Complications

Cryosurgery is a relatively new treatment option for vein stripping in case of insufficiency of the great saphenous vein (GSV). A prospective randomized trial was performed to compare operation time, extracted vein length, and postoperative outcomes of cryosurgery with conventional short stripping. Forty patients with one-sided, duplex-proven insufficiency of the GSV were included. Operation time was shorter with cryosurgery, 17.6 ± 1.11 vs. 20 ± 0.80 min. Extracted vein length was significantly longer with conventional stripping, 40 ± 1.45 vs. 28 ± 1.46 cm. After the operation, all symptoms of venous insufficiency decreased significantly in both groups. In the first 2 weeks after operation, pain scores were higher in the cryosurgery group, but the difference was only significant on the fifth postoperative day. Postoperative mobility, hematoma formation, and complications were not significantly different. Cryosurgery has comparable postoperative results with conventional short stripping. Operation time is reduced with cryosurgery, but postoperative pain scores are higher. Patients favor cryosurgery because of better cosmetic results.