Endovenous laser therapy of the small saphenous vein: patient satisfaction and short-term results.
OBJECTIVE
Conventional surgical treatment for small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux is associated with high recurrence rates and complications. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a treatment modality with promising results. This study reports patient satisfaction and short-term results after EVLA of SSV reflux.


METHODS
Fifty-two legs of 49 consecutive patients were treated with EVLA for reflux of the SSV. Patients were investigated clinically and by duplex scanning before and 6 weeks after treatment. Patient records were studied and a questionnaire was completed.


RESULTS
Technical success was accomplished in all patients. After 6 weeks the occlusion rate was 100% and after 6.5 months no recurrent varicosities were reported. Complications consisted of bruising (51%), induration (39%), delayed tightness (16%), phlebitis (2%), and temporary paresthesia (6%) and were all self-limiting. One deep venous thrombosis occurred in a patient with a protein C deficiency. Ninety-two percent (45/49) of patients were satisfied with the results and in 98% symptoms had significantly improved or completely disappeared. Working activities were resumed after a mean of 4 days. Forty-three patients (88%) would consider having endovenous laser treatment again if indicated.


CONCLUSIONS
EVLA of the SSV seems to be a safe modality with excellent short-term results and high patient satisfaction. Controlled studies assessing the effectiveness of EVLA in comparison to conventional treatment of SSV reflux are crucial before considering EVLA as the standard treatment.
Trip-Hoving
Margreet
M
Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Alysis Zorggroep, Location Rijnstate, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Verheul
Jorieke C
JC
van Sterkenburg
Steven M M
SM
de Vries
Willem R
WR
Reijnen
Michel M P J
MM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000532:radiotherapy*