Endovenous ablation with laser for great saphenous vein insufficiency and tributary varices: a retrospective evaluation.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Xinwu Lu, Kaichuang Ye, Weimin Li, Min Lu, Xintian Huang, Mier Jiang
• Journal: Journal of vascular surgery (J Vasc Surg) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 675-9 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1097-6809 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18586448 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects)
• Ligation
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Saphenous Vein (surgery)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Varicose Veins (surgery)
• Venous Insufficiency (surgery)