Transilluminated powered phlebectomy: not enough advantages? Review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Recently, new procedures for the treatment of varicose veins have been developed. The purpose of this review is to analyse the data available concerning the transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP).


METHODS
Review of the English literature.


RESULTS
The number of studies is limited. Currently, no trial has proven any significant advantage of TIPP technique when compared with conventional surgery, except for the number of surgical incisions. TIPP procedure seems to be shorter than conventional surgery, particularly for the extensive or recurrent varicose veins.


CONCLUSIONS
Several questions regarding TIPP technique remain. Further randomised trials are needed to determine the benefit of this procedure.
Scavée
Vincent
V
Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Clinique Saint-Pierre, University Affiliated Hospital, Université Catholique de Louvain, Ottignies, Belgium. vincent.scavee@skynet.be
D006801:Humans; D014172:Transillumination; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*