Comment to: Diameter reduction of the great saphenous vein and the common femoral vein after CHIVA long-term results, by Mendoza E. Phlebologie 2013;42:65–69.

The diameters of the veins are considered to be an indicator of the severity of venous disease. The present paper examines as a retrospective evaluation, the development of the diameter of the GSV and common femoral vein, as well as the small saphenous vein in the patients who were originally enrolled in the long-term investigation on CHIVA versus stripping and who spontaneously attended the practice over the further course after conclusion of the three-year study. The diameters of the veins were evaluated at the following points: i) common femoral vein immediately distally of the junction of the great saphenous vein; ii) great saphenous vein 15 cm distally of its junction; iii) small saphenous vein 5 cm distally of the knee fold. In addition, the C from the CEAP and the refilling time after muscle pump (light reflection rheography, were evaluate. A total of 43 patients presented, 15 men and 28 women. The mean follow-up period was 5.36 years (±1.63 years, range 3–8.6 years). The patients had been operated on the great saphenous vein in 28 cases and on the small saphenous vein in 15 cases.....