Well-Tried and New Ones – Update Varicose Vein Treatment 2016

Abstract

Venous leg symptoms are frequent, but their relevance is frequently underestimated. With the introduction of effective, minimal-invasive endovenous treatment modalities the treatment of varicose veins has recently made major advances. The basis of every treatment decision is a competent anamnesis, clinical investigation and duplex scan. Outpatient varicose vein treatment using endovenous methods has been proofed to be at least as effective as traditional varicose vein surgery but is associated with fewer adverse events. Accordingly, the endovenous methods are exspected to replace surgery as goldstandard treatment and endovenous thermal vein ablation (Laser/Radiofrequency) is accepted by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health for general reimbursment since 1st january 2016. All currently available methods have their advantages and limitations, the individual selection based on the present symptoms, anatomic findings and patients’ preferences is fundamental for an optimal treatment result and maximized patient satisfaction.