The authors discuss the surgical treatment of primary varices. The analysis is based on pathophysiological principles in the development of venous insufficiency. The attention is paid to reflux in key positions, presumably sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions, respectively. Dilated perforators with a reflux are considered to ensue from these refluxes. These principles enable to draw conclusions on an adequate therapeutic procedure, a limited stripping of saphena veins. A total stripping is indicated only exceptionally, when the whole stem is affected.

        Key words: primary varices – surgical therapy – stripping