Endovenous laser ablation is an effective treatment for great saphenous vein incompetence in teenagers.
OBJECTIVE
The current knowledge of chronic venous disease in teenagers and its treatment is very limited. The aim of the study is to present our experience and the available literature data on the treatment of varicose veins in teenagers with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.


METHODS
Five patients, aged 15-17 years, were qualified for surgery, based on typical signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease. Minimally invasive treatment with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein was applied.


RESULTS
The technical success of surgery was achieved in all patients. Over a 2-year follow-up we did not observe any case of recanalisation of the great saphenous vein, recurrence of varicose veins, or serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. One patient presented with resolving of post-operative bruising, and two cases of local numbness were transient.


CONCLUSIONS
Endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein in the treatment of chronic venous disease in teenagers is effective and safe. The method provides excellent cosmetic effects, very short recovery time and high levels of patient satisfaction.
Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Piotr
P
Terlecki
Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland s.przywara@plusnet.pl.
Stanislaw
S
Przywara
Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Marek
M
Iłżecki
Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Karol
K
Terlecki
Department of Radiology, 1st Military Clinical Hospital Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Piotr
P
Kawecki
Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Tomasz
T
Zubilewicz
D000293:Adolescent; D002908:Chronic Disease; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*
Chronic venous disease; endovenous laser ablation; saphenous vein; teenagers; varicose veins