ABSTRACT
Recurrent varicose veins are relatively common and pose a particular problem to the
surgeon. Prevention is better than cure and the rates of recurrence can be minimized by
preoperative color duplex scanning and meticulous technique at primary surgery such as
ensuring the ligation of the long saphenous vein is flush with the femoral vein and
stripping the long-saphenous vein (1). Before any surgical intervention can be planned, a
careful assessment of the sites of recurrence has to be rigorously performed. Re-do surgery
is altogether more complex and should be dealt with in a different manner to primary
surgery. The patient’s expectations must be carefully managed and the surgery should be
carried out only by an experienced surgeon.
