Factors which the duration of time off work after surgical treatment of venous insufficiency of the legs were studied in 3000 patients undergoing surgery in our institution between 1985 and 1990. Three variables significantly influenced return to work at 2 weeks (RW2w). The first was socio-professional group. All patients in the first was socio-professional group. All patients in the professions and 95 per cent of tradesmen or freelance workers had returned to work after 2 weeks, while 40 per cent of civil servants and 35 per cent of employees in private organisations were still off work. Time spent of work was 23 +/- 10 days in civil servants, 4 +/- 3 days in the professions and 5 +/- 2 days in tradesmen of freelance workers. The second was the type of anesthesia with or without hospitalisation, local or general. The final variable was the physical effort involved in work, the RW2w was 72 par cent in patients in whom such effort was mild or moderate, and 56 per cent in effort was considerable. The second was the type of anesthesia with or without hospitalisation, local or general. The final variable was the physical effort involved in work. The RW2w was 72 percent in patients in whom such effort was mild or moderate, and 56 per cent in effort was considerable. It is concluded that the rapidity of return to work was not as good as could legitimately be expected following an operation with nil mortality and extremely limited morbidity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)