Randomised controlled trial comparing sapheno-femoral ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein with endovenous laser ablation (980 nm) using local tumescent anaesthesia: one year results.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of sapheno-femoral ligation and stripping (SFL/S) versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA, 980-nm) in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency, using local tumescent anaesthesia.


METHODS
Randomised, single centre trial.


METHODS
Patients with GSV incompetence and varicose veins were randomised to either SFL/S or EVLA. At days 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-treatment, patients completed questionnaires on pain and quality of life. Recurrent varicose veins were evaluated by Duplex ultrasound (DUS) performed at 1 and 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
130 legs in 121 patients were treated by SFL/S (n=68) or EVLA (n=62). Significantly more post-treatment pain was noted after EVLA at days 7, 10 and 14 (p<0.01; p<0.01; p=0.01), more hindrance in mobility at days 7 (p<0.01) and 10 (p=0.01), and in self care (p=0.03) and daily activities (p=0.01) at day 7 compared to SFL/S. DUS at 1-year follow-up showed 9% recurrences (5/56) after EVLA and 10% (5/49) after SFL/S.


CONCLUSIONS
Both SFL/S and EVLA, using local tumescent anaesthesia, were well tolerated, with no difference in short-term recurrence rate. In the second week after EVLA, patients experienced significantly more pain resulting in restricted mobility, self care and daily activity compared to SFL/S.
Pronk
P
P
Flebologisch Centrum Oosterwal, Overkrocht 10, 1815 KX Alkmaar, The Netherlands. pascalpronk888@hotmail.com
Gauw
S A
SA
Mooij
M C
MC
Gaastra
M T W
MT
Lawson
J A
JA
van Goethem
A R
AR
van Vlijmen-van Keulen
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*