THE RESULTS OF THE APPLICATION OF LOW-INVASIVE METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF VARICOSE DISEASE

Abstract

From 2015 to 2019, we performed surgical treatment of 136 patients for varicose veins of the lower extremities, of whom 74 patients were operated on by endovenous laser coagulation, 62 patients were operated on by radiofrequency ablation. The international classification of chronic venous insufficiency (CEAP) was used to distribute patients according to the severity of the disease. The indication for minimally invasive techniques was the presence of vertical reflux along the major and/or minor saphenous vein in combination with horizontal venous reflux in 95 % of cases. To perform radiofrequency ablation, the VNUS ClosureFast technique was used, and to perform endovasal laser obliteration, the «Lika-Hirurg» apparatus generating a wavelength of 1470 nm and radial (circular) light guides. To assess the results and quality of treatment, all patients underwent examination by a doctor with USDG of the operated lower extremity 1, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Patients completed the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ 20) before surgery and 6 months after treatment. In all 136 patients, pathological venous reflux was not observed. In 2 patients, 6 months after EVLK, when performing ultrasound control in the trunks of the great saphenous vein, segmental recanalization without pathological reflux was determined. The use of radiofrequency ablation and endovasal laser coagulation of veins in the treatment of varicose veins shows positive results, and in most cases better than in classical surgical interventions, which is primarily due to the low trauma. One of the factors is the short duration of the patient's stay in the clinic and its activation immediately after the operation, which allows maintaining the routine of daily life.