Varicose veins have been a somewhat neglected entity. Treatment usually consists of routine stripping of the main trunks and excision of all distal tributaries, resulting in many unsightly scars. Modern diagnostic methods trace the origin of the reflux causing the condition. If the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction is involved, limited surgery is done, followed by sclerotherapy of the varicose tributaries later. Many cases can be treated with sclerotherapy only. A description of the new concepts is given. A diagnostic classification is presented, together with the corresponding methods of treatment.