Common peroneal nerve injury as a complication of short saphenous vein surgery

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the incidence of common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury following short saphenous vein surgery (SSV) in a UK district general hospital, and establish possible risk factors, and preventative strategies to minimize the risk of nerve injury following this type of surgery. Methods: Retrospective review of all cases of SSV surgery performed in a single institution during the period January 2002-October 2004. Results: Sixty-four patients underwent SSV surgery during the review period. Three patients (4.7%) developed a CPN injury postoperatively. One patient recovered fully after 24 h, whereas the other two patients' symptoms recovered within six months. All three patients had a saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) located high above the popliteal skin crease. Conclusions: CPN injury during SSV surgery occurs with an appreciable frequency. In view of this, there is a need for a revised approach to the management of SSV disease, possibly incorporating less-invasive techniques such as endovenous closure. © 2007 Royal Society of Medicine Press.