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

BackgroundEndovenous 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsAll 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.ConclusionsEVLA 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.