Reversibility of femorosaphenous reflux

Eleven patients with varicose veins of the long saphenous system and associated femorosaphenous reflux were investigated by means of phlebography, before and after treatment by compression sclerotherapy, in order to determine if any changes, particularly of dilatation and valvular competence, took place in the proximal, untreated part of the long saphenous vein. In 9 cases narrowing of the proximal part of the long saphenous vein occurred. In 4 cases valves which had not been detected or which had been poorly outlined on the pre-treatment films were well outlined on the post-treatment films. In 2 cases the long saphenous vein was not outlined on the post-treatment films. As clinical evidence of thrombosis of the vein was not present, this appeared to be due to restoration of valvular competence.