All patients should receive a pre-operative dose of low molecular weight heparin (Clexane 20mg) as thromboembolic prophylaxis. The groin area is shaved immediately before the operation. The groin and legs are prepared for surgery in the usual way using aqueous Betadine. No prophylactic antibiotics are to be given. The surgical procedure in the groin is then performed in a standard manner to expose the saphenofemoral junction. The junction and all tributaries are ligated. In all cases the long saphenous vein should be pin stripped to the level of the knee.