title: [5-year experience with varicose vein laser surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of varicose veins in the lower limb is relatively frequent in Europe including Hungary.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Authors report their 5-year experience in varicose vein laser surgery focusing with regards to recurrence and complication rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgery was performed on 647 lower limbs in 546 patients with an age between 17 and 80 years. They were overweight in 4.6 % of cases. The diameter of treated saphenous veins was between 4 and 31 mm. Indications for surgery were recurrence in 9.1% of cases and crural ulcer in 4.0% of cases. Laser fibre was introduced into the varicose saphenous stems and then 980 nm, later 1470 nm wavelength laser was delivered while the fibre was step-by-step pulled-out. Following the learning period laser energy was raised from a mean of 28 J/cm to 164 J/cm because of high recurrence rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the learning period the recurrence rate was 13.8% while it was 1.9% thereafter. Pulmonary embolism occurred in two cases, which could have been avoidable. Further minor complications were also noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Varicose vein laser surgery can be recommended because the recurrence rate is very low, major complications can be avoided and minor complications are temporary.
authors.affiliation: Á+B Klinika Budapest Népszínház u. imre.bihari.dr@gmail.com
authors.forename: Imre
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bihari
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ayoub
authors.forename: András
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bihari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000842:Ankle / Q000473:pathology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015897:Comorbidity; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007858:Learning; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*