5-years of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of varicose veins - A prospective study

Purpose: This prospective study evaluates the results of Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of varicose veins. Methods: Data were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing EVLA for varicose veins in our unit including clinical outcomes (CEAP classification) and post-operative duplex. Results: 624 EVLA procedures were performed from April 2004 to February 2009. There were 527 LSV EVLA cases, 449 of which were for the above-knee segment only. There were 94 SSV EVLA cases and 3 patients needed LSV EVLA on the same leg at the same time. 84% were done under general anesthetic including 126 patients who underwent bilateral procedures at the same session. There were no intra-operative complications, and a 1% incidence of thrombophlebitis, and <1% incidence of neuropraxia. During a median follow-up of 20 months (Range 2-51) there was no clinical or duplex evidence of recurrence and no recannalisation of the treated vein. Conclusions: Our 5-year experience suggests that EVLA is a safe and effective alternative to conventional surgery for the treatment of varicose veins. Bilateral procedures were well tolerated by patients even under local anaesthesia. (C) 2009 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.