LASER Versus Mechanochemical Ablation in Treatment of Primary Varicose Vein of Lower Limb

Abstract

Background: Endovenous thermal techniques, such as endovenous laser ablation [EVLA], are the recommended treatment for varicose veins. Non-thermal techniques such as Mechanochemical ablation [MOCA] have potential benefits. Aim of the work: To compare EVLA with MOCA in the treatment of primary varicose vein of the lower limb. Patients and Methods: 40 patients who had primary great saphenous varicose veins [VV] admitted at the Vascular Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. They randomized into two equal groups each one included 20 patients group [1] treated by EVLA and group [2] treated by MOCA. Results: The time of operation of studied patients ranged from 22 to 44 minutes, and there a statistically significant decrease in time of group 2 compared to group 1. [25.36±1.80 vs. 37.30±2.47 respectively]. Postoperative pain in studied patients ranged from 0 [no pain] to 7 [severe pain], there statistically significant decrease in pain of group 2 compared to group 1. As regard to induration, it was reported in 4 patients, representing 20% of group 1 [4] patients, were significant differences between groups 1 and 2 [20% vs. 0% respectively]. At the end of the sixth month postoperatively, as regard complete occlusion of the great saphenous vein [GSV] vein, there was statistically no significant difference between group 2 when compared to group 1 [92.5% vs. 95% respectively]. Conclusions: MOCA was associated with better results on short-term follow-up.