Endovenous ablation with laser for great saphenous vein insufficiency and tributary varices: A retrospective evaluation
Received 20 February 2008; accepted 9 April 2008. published online 01 July 2008.
Background
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive technique for treating great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux for several years. We report our experience with EVLA and evaluate its effectiveness.
Methods
A consecutive series of patients (639 women [60%] and 421 men [40%], age 23 to 79 years) were treated by EVLA for GSV reflux and tributary varices at our institution. A questionnaire was used to assess preoperative and postoperative symptoms. The primary outcomes for assessing safety were mortality and morbidity, including laser-related adverse events, postoperative infection, thrombotic events, etc. Effectiveness was assessed by the obliteration of the vein, disappearance of varicosities, and so on.
Results
All patients tolerated the procedure well, recovered uneventfully, and returned to daily activities and work 3 days and 10 to 14 days, respectively, after the operation. Treatment with EVLA plus ligation of the GSV resulted in occlusion in all cases at 2 weeks follow-up and in 1169 of 1186 (99%) at 6-month follow-up; the rate of retreatment was low (36/1186). Complications were minor and improved quickly.
Conclusions
EVLA can reduce and relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins and achieve cosmetic goals. Vein emptying before exposure to laser energy and compression treatment afterwards may improve results.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Reprint requests: Xinwu Lu, MD, PhD, Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Number 639, Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, China
Supported by the National Natural Science Funds of China (30772104).
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