Objective
The aim of this study was to find out surgical and functional outcomes of the feasible
day-case radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure for primary varicose veins (VV).
Background
Management of VV has changed rapidly in recent years. RFA being less invasive
alternative to vein stripping can be done by percutaneous catheter-based closure
without the necessity of incision.
Patients and methods
This prospective randomized controlled studywas conducted on 26 patients (31 limbs)
with primary VV; all patients were treated with RFA using VNUS closure under
tumescent anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups according
to the performed RFA technique: group A: ‘standard technique’ [16 (51.6%) limbs] and
group B: ‘modified technique’ [15 (48.4%) limbs]. Follow-up period was 6 months.
Results
There were satisfactory results with no complications in both groups at 3–6 months
of follow-up (93.3% in group A and 86.7% in group B) and marked improvement of
patients symptoms (P=0.011). The mean operative time was 62.9±5.4 min in group
A and 51.8±3.2 min in group B. Patients in both groups were discharged within
hours and returned to work within few days. On 1-week postoperative follow-up,
minor complications were observed that disappeared with time, except for one
(3.3%) limb with deep venous thrombosis, which was reported in group B.
Conclusion
Endovenous RFA and foam sclerotherapy, whichever is the performed technique,
have shown to be very promising techniques as they are minimally invasive and
highly effective, with high patient satisfaction and quality of life, better cosmetic
results, and fewer days off work. |
