title: Great saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation versus standard stripping in the management of primary varicose veins-a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic venous insufficiency is the most common vascular disease in the adult population. However, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing therapeutic options are limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 180 patients with saphenofemoral junction and great saphenous reflux detected on duplex were randomized to either ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or standard surgical treatment. The study participants blindly chose an assignment card that placed them in either group A (ultrasound-guided RFA of the great saphenous vein [GSV]; n = 90); or group B (surgical management n = 90). Patients were followed up for 24 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary occlusion rate in group A was 94.5% versus 100% in group B. Radiofrequency ablation had a lower overall complication rate (P = .02) and shorter post-intervention hospital stay (P = .001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences in recurrence rates at 24 months follow-up (P = .45). Radiofrequency ablation was significantly more expensive (P = .003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Great saphenous vein occlusion was achieved efficiently in 94% of our group using RFA with minimal complications and obvious advantages as compared to standard surgery.
authors: Department of Radiodiagnosis, Cairo University, Egypt. kkaffas@hotmail.com
authors: Khaled
authors: K
authors: Helmy ElKaffas
authors: Omar
authors: O
authors: ElKashef
authors: Walied
authors: W
authors: ElBaz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*