OBJECTIVES: To assess patients’ expectations and experiences with two treatments for varicose vein disease: duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy (at the outpatient department) and surgical stripping (at the daycase centre). These treatments have comparable recurrence rates, but they differ considerably in nature. Nevertheless, the treatment choice depends on the referral preference of the general practitioner. METHODS: We conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews among patients who were treated for varicose vein disease. We used a semi-structured script, containing the global structure of the interviews and probes to be posed to keep the discussion going. Focus groups and interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Relevant topics and differences between expectations and experiences were extracted. RESULTS: Fourteen patients participated in the study. Relevant topics in the treatment of varicose vein disease were health complaints, waiting time, information, treatment (nature, anaesthesia, location, duration), pain and side-effects, elastic stockings, usual activities, cosmetic result and retreatment. Information and the elastic stockings were considered as important. Patients did not like the elastic stockings because they were aching and warm. Appropriate information was considered as improving recovery. Differences between expectations and experiences were seen in anaesthesia and treatment (nature and duration). Most patients had negative expectations of anaesthesia, however, the stripping patients experienced the anaesthetic positively. Because of the admission to the daycase centre and the duration, stripping did feel like real hospitalization. However, stripping patients had positive experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were experienced positively. The general practitioner should discuss the patient’s expectations and give adequate information to improve outcomes and satisfaction.