A randomized study comparing conventional surgery versus endovenous laser therapy for the treatment of primary varicose veins of the long saphenous vein

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Introduction Traditionally, long saphenous vein (LSV) varicosis with saphenofemoral junction incompetence was treated with high ligation and stripping. Postoperatively patients have significant discomfort and bruising. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) was developed to offer patients who have varicose veins a less painful treatment alternative to stripping, with a faster return to work and normal activities. EVLT of the LSV has been proven to be safe, with long-term results comparable to traditional high ligation and stripping. Aim The aim of this work was to compare between two different modalities for the treatment of primary varicose veins disease of the LSV: standard ligation with stripping, and EVLT, with regard to the effectiveness, complications of each treatment modality, recovery and return to work. Patients and methods This randomized study was conducted upon 40 patients in Benha University Hospital, enrolled from April 2016 to December 2016. Twenty patients underwent high ligation and stripping of LSV, while 20 others underwent EVLT. Results Our study found no significant difference in success of obliterating the vein using either method; however, patients who underwent EVLT showed less early complications and faster recovery and earlier return to work. Conclusions EVLT in varicose veins of the LSV is a safe viable alternative to high ligation and stripping using surgery. It has the advantage over surgery of having no incisions, less initial serious complications and faster ambulation and return to work.