[In Process Citation]
Cryophlebectomy, a more recent technique in varicose veins surgery, was evaluated in comparision with conventional techniques. Group IA: Microphlebectomy, invaginative stripping of the long saphenous vein, tourniquet, n = 90; group IB: only microphlebektomie and tourniquet, n = 72. Group IIA: Cryostripping of the long saphenous vein in combination with cryosurgical distal avulsion of varicosities and microphlebectomy, n = 112; gr. IIB: only cryosurgical distal avulsion of varicosities and microphlebectomy. Data were compared regarding duration of operation and hospitalisation and cosmetic outcome. Hospital stay (gr. IA: 9.1 +/- 5.1 d vs. gr. IIA: 6.1 +/- 2.1 d, gr. IB: 5.5 +/- 2.3 d vs. gr. IIB: 4.8 +/- 2.5 d) and duration of operation (gr. IA: 113.6 +/- 35 min vs. gr. IIA: 67 +/- 21.3 min, gr. IB: 74.4 +/- 35.3 min vs. gr. IIB: 53.3 +/- 15.5 min) were found to be significantly shorter and cosmetic result and postoperative discomforts improved in the cryophlebectomy-group. We conclude that the use of this combination of methods reduces invasivity, rises the patient's well-being and helps in cost-reduction.