2 research outputs found
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the anatomic variants of the saphenofemoral junction
.Background: The aim of this systematic review was to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence of variations of the
saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) to prevent misidentification of the SFJ or the incomplete ligation of the tributaries of the
great saphenous vein.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through
September 14, 2017. To be included in the meta-analysis, a study had to report prevalence data on the morphology of the
SFJ or the presence of venous tributaries.
Results: A total of 16 studies (7433 legs) were included. The majority of studies were performed during varicose vein
surgery (74.14%), with fewer studies by means of computed tomography venography and cadaveric dissection. The
pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) for a duplication of the SFJ with a bifid junction was 9.6% (P ¼ .001). The PPE for a
duplication of the SFJ with two separate junctions was 1.7%. The PPE for ectasia of the SFJ was 2.3% in type 1, 1.2% in type
2, and 1.7% in type 3. The distribution of the PPE for the number of venous SFJ tributaries was approximately normal with
a slight right skew; a higher rate was observed in the group with four venous tributaries to the SFJ.
Conclusions: This analysis found high heterogeneity in the prevalence of SFJ anatomic variants and the number of
venous SFJ tributaries. For this reason, it is highly recommended that a preoperative Doppler ultrasound assessment of
the SFJ and great saphenous vein be performed. (J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2018;-:1-11.