Bilateral versus unilateral high ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein for varicose veins.

The problem of long waiting list of patients for varicose vein surgery may be eased by bilateral operation when both limbs are involved and not in two separate operations as is the practice in many surgical centers. We found that patients undergoing unilateral high ligation and stripping did not differ from patients who had bilateral limb operation in terms of complications, morbidity and length of hospitalization. Most of our patients were released after one day of hospitalization. Therefore, we recommend bilateral operation when there is an indication, rather than two unilateral operations.