Randomizied clinical comparison of short term outcomes following endogenous laser ablation and stripping in patients with saphenous vein insufficiency

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to compare the effects of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and saphenous vein stripping on the quality of life of the patients and their short-term clinical outcomes in the treatment of isolated, symptomatic, unilateral greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 patients undergoing GSV stripping (n = 35) or EVLA (n = 30) for GSV (patients demonstrating backflow lasting more than 5 s during Valsalva maneuvers and those with a saphenous vein diameter more than 5 mm) between May 2013 and September 2013 were prospectively included in the study. Groups were compared for differences in clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics classification, venous clinical severity scores, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life scale. Results: Pre-operative and post-operative SF-36 scale scores in both groups were compared statistically and quality of life scores were found to be better in EVLA group with lesser number of complaints (P < 0.01). Despite the initial increase in the 1st week, the venous clinical severity score significantly declined in both groups after treatment, and it was significantly lower in the EVLA group at 1st month. Discussion: In GSV insufficiencies, EVLA is an efficient and safe treatment modality with better quality of life outcomes when compared with the stripping method. It offers better short-term relief of symptoms than stripping.