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Objective and design in 1978 Sheppard described using a flap of pectineus fascia in an attempt to reduce the further development of neovascularised veins at the saphenofemoral junction. The perceived benefits of this manoeuvre have not been tested by a prospective randomised trial. Materials and methods consecutive patients with symptomatic recurrent varicose veins referred to a single consultant were examined for evidence of further reflux from the saphenofemoral junction. This was subsequently confirmed in forty limbs (thirty-seven patients) by descending venography. All had features of a neovascularised segment. These patients were treated by complete exposure and ligation of the recurrences arising from the common femoral vein, with or without the placement of a flap of pectineus fascia (prospectively randomised). The patients were assessed a minimum of eighteen months later by both clinical examination and duplex ultrasound scanning. Results six patients were lost to follow-up. This left seventeen limbs remaining in each half of the study. The characteristics in each group were broadly matched. Conclusions this study failed to demonstrate any apparent benefit from the application of a flap of pectineus fascia. Most patients showed evidence of re-recurrence arising from the common femoral vein. Copyright 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd