title: Study on the Long-Term Results of Endovenous Laser Ablation for Treating Varicose Veins.
abstract: Background Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is widely performed since the early 2000s, but there are few long-term results. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of EVLA employed for treating varicose veins of the lower limbs by duplex ultrasonographic study. Methods A total of 24 limbs of 17 patients who underwent EVLA between 2004 and 2007 were examined with duplex ultrasonographic scans. The mean follow-up period was 66.1 months. Results There were five recurrences of saphenofemoral junction reflux. The occlusion rate was 79.2% at a mean follow-up of 66.1 months. There were 14 recanalizations and 5 recurrences of the great saphenous vein. Five partial and nine total recanalizations were observed. Conclusions EVLA is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Our long-term result was acceptable, but the result was not outstanding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seung Je
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Go
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Byung Sun
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yun Su
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Mun
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yoon Jung
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Eulji University College of Nursing, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Ahn
keywords: endovenous laser ablation; long-term results; recanalization; recurrence; saphenofemoral junction reflux; varicose vein