Radiofrecuencia en el tratamiento de las varices de los miembros inferiores. Estudio prospectivo en 176 pacientes en Bogotá

Abstract

IntroductionChronic lower extremity venous insufficiency is fairly common, and varicose veins are main manifestation of this condition. The “classic” surgical treatment by stripping of saphenous veins leads to morbidity, disability, and recurrence rate. The use of endovascular methods is seen as an effective and safe alternative to conventional methods. ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy, safety, and advantages of radiofrequency for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins. Materials and methodsA prospective study was conducted on 176 patients (37 with venous ulcers) treated with radiofrequency and followed-up for 3 months. The variables studied were pain during and after the procedure, use of analgesics, post-operative complications, healing of ulcers, work incapacity, and the return to work activities. A visual analogue pain scale and Doppler ultrasound were used. ResultsNo complications were observed. The mean pain scale score during the procedure was 3, being 5 after the surgery. The patients returned to their work activities within a mean of 5 to 7 days, with little use of analgesics. The venous ulcer closed at 3 months in 95% of cases. There were no complications or recurrences, either clinically or with Doppler ultrasound, were observed in the follow-up. More than 30% of patients who had comorbidities and were rejected for conventional surgery were successfully intervened using radiofrequency. There was a statistical correlation in that, the younger the patient the lower the pain score during the procedure (P=.04). Those patients who referred to low or no pain returned to their work activities in the first week (P=.04). ConclusionRadiofrequency for the treatment of varicose veins is an effective and safe method. It leads to an early return to work activities by the patients.