Efficacy of endovenous microwave ablation in treating primary varicose veins of the lower extremities

Abstract

Objective: To explore the efficacy of endovenous microwave ablation in treating primary varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods: A total of 214 patients with primary varicose veins of the lower extremities in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2017 to November 2019 were included and divided into microwave ablation group (n=128) and high ligation with microwave ablation group (n=86) according to surgical approach. Further subgroups including subgroup S (diameter<10 mm) and subgroup L (diameter≥10 mm) were established. The surgical success rate, postoperative incidence and recovery of local skin numbness and ecchymosis, and the postoperative recovery of active skin ulcer were compared between the two groups and subgroups. Results: The surgical success rate was 96% (136/141) in microwave ablation group, 100% in subgroup S (116/116), and 80% in subgroup L (20/25), respectively. In addition, the surgical success rate in high ligation with microwave ablation group, subgroup S, and subgroup L was all 100% (90/90, 73/73, and 17/17). In subgroup L of microwave ablation group, the diameter of 5 great saphenous veins in patients who failed the microwave ablation was 13.0-17.1 mm. The mean follow-up time was (24±4) months in microwave ablation group and (36±6) months in high ligation with microwave ablation group, respectively. In the microwave ablation group and high ligation with microwave ablation group, the incidence of postoperative skin numbness was 15.6% and 14.4%, respectively, and the incidence of skin ecchymosis was 5.7% and 3.3%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (both P>0.05). The rate of active skin ulcer in the two groups was 6.4% and 15.6%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.020). Local skin ecchymosis in the two groups recovered within 1 month after operation. Local skin numbness in both groups recovered within the maximum 2 years of follow-up, and active skin ulcer in both groups recovered within the maximum 1 years of follow-up. Conclusion: The endovenous microwave ablation is safe and effective, especially combining with high ligation of great saphenous vein. Good follow-up results can be achieved for great saphenous vein with diameter smaller than 10 mm. However, for those with diameter greater than 10 mm, the surgical success rate of endovenous microwave ablation decreases.