Varicose Vein Stripping in 66,577 patients in 11 years in public hospitals in Sao Paulo

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo.METHODS: Open and anonymous data regarding varicose vein surgeries between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated from the TabNet platform of the Municipal Health Secretary of Sao Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Most patients were female and adults. A total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed in public hospitals and outpatient clinics in Sao Paulo, with a statistically significant increase for both unilateral (p=0.003) and bilateral (p<0.001) procedures. Since 2016, unilateral procedures have been performed more frequently than bilateral procedures. Most procedures were associated with same-day (54.8%) or next-day (32%) discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.0045%. The total amount reimbursed was $20,693,437.94, corresponding to a mean value of $310.82 per procedure.CONCLUSION: Surgeries to treat chronic vein disease totaled 66,577 in 11 years, demanding $20,693,437.94 from the public health system. The majority of treated patients were female, over 40 years of age, and local residents. Procedure rates have increased over the years. The in-hospital mortality rate was very low (0.0045%).

Automated summary

This study evaluated the epidemiology of varicose vein stripping in Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo. The majority of patients treated were female adults. Over the course of 11 years, a total of 66,577 varicose vein surgeries were performed, with an increasing trend over the years.