[Surgery of the low extremity varices as a part of a same-day surgery programme].
INTRODUCTION: One-day surgical methods lower the procedures costs as well the need for urgent beds in surgical clinics. The varix operation seem to be the optimal diagnosis suitable for the one-day surgical procedure. AIM: The aim of this work is to assess a feasibility of the one-day surgery for the low extremities varix operations. METHODOLOGY: During the period starting in January until December 2003, 98 extremities were operated for varices. The surgical procedure was the same for the hospitalized as well as for the patients assigned to the one-day surgery programme. Each patient was examined with the duplex ultrasound prior to the surgery, after the surgery a compressive bandage was indicated. RESULTS: We operated 98 extremities in 96 patients suffering from varices during the period from January 2003 to December 2003. The trial group consisted of 67 females and 29 males aged 21-79 years of age (the average of 45.3 years). According to the CEAP classification, 57 extremities (58.2%) were assigned to the C2 category, 30 extremities (30.6%) to the C3 category, 6 extremities (6%) to the C4 category, 4 extremities (4%) to the C5 category and one extremity (1%) to the C6 category. 14 extremities in the group were operated due to the disease relapse. 62 patients (i.e. 65%) were released for the home-care on the day of the operation, 27 patients (28%) were released the following day. One patient was hospitalized for two days, three patients for three days, one patient for four days and two patients for five days. 91 out of the total 98 extremities (i.e. 93%) underwent the one-day surgery. CONCLUSION: Although some patients require hospitalization, the varix surgery is safe and suitable for the one-day surgery. A thorough preoperative examination as well each patient's cooperation are both very important.