Combined endovenous laser therapy and ambulatory phlebectomy: refinement of a new technique

Mekako, A.; Hatfield, J.; Bryce, J.; Lee, D.; Heng, M.; McCollum, P.; Chetter, I.

Abstract

Objective. Sclerotherapy (IS) or ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) are required as subsequent interventions in majority of cases following endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). We assessed whether AP performed concomitantly with EVLT (EVLTAP), is effective, acceptable, and reduces subsequent requirement for interventions. Method. 67 patients (70 limbs) with great saphenous varicosities underwent EVLTAR Pain was assessed on days 1, 4 and 7 using a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 to 10. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were done at 1, 6 and 12 weeks (no ultrasound at 6 weeks). Residual varicosities underwent further AP or IS. Patients' satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome and overall treatment was assessed at 12 weeks using a VAS rating. Results. 49 patients (70%) completed follow-up. Median pain scores were 1.6 (IQR 0.2-4.8), 0.3 (0-1.4) and 0.2 (0-1.1) on days 1, 4 and 7 respectively. Ultrasound demonstrated 69 (99%) and 47 (96%) occluded long saphenous veins at 1 and 12 weeks respectively. Subsequent IS or AP was performed on 3 (4%) or 1 (1%) limbs respectively. Cosmetic satisfaction was 9.6 (IQR 8.9-10) and overall satisfaction 9.8 (IQR 9.3-10). Conclusion. EVLTAP produces excellent results, is feasible and acceptable, and obviates need for subsequent procedures in the short-term.

Citation

Mekako, A., Hatfield, J., Bryce, J., Lee, D., Heng, M., McCollum, P., & Chetter, I. (2006). Combined endovenous laser therapy and ambulatory phlebectomy: refinement of a new technique. European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery, 32(6), 725-729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.06.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 4, 2006
• Online Publication Date: Jul 24, 2006
• Publication Date: 2006-12
• Journal: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF VASCULAR AND ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY
• Print ISSN: 1078-5884
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 725-729
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.06.002
• Keywords: Surgery; Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/387033