Endovascular Laser Treatment for Varicose Vein in the Lower Extremities as a Day Surgery Procedure

Abstract

Day surgery is gaining popularity for varicose vein surgery. There have been many surgical options for the treatment of varicose veins, including stripping, high ligation, endovascular laser treatment and so on. Endovascular laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive vein surgery and has the possibility to be done as an office procedure.

Patient and Method: Between March 2002 and December 2003, one hundred and sixty-seven patients, 225 legs had EVLT in our hospital. EVLT was done under tumescent local anesthesia. A 810nm diode laser was used with a 600μm laser fiber introduced into the saphenous vein. For venous function study, APG was performed before and after EVLT. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed to follow-up the saphenous vein diameter.

Results: There have been no major complications including skin burns, paresthesias, nor deep vein thrombosis after EVLT. Initial obliteration was obtained in 98.2%. During follow-up, venous obliteration was maintained in 98%. Most of the patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. The values of VFI (Venous Filling Index) were 6.61±2.99 ml/s vs. 6.30±3.88 ml/s (stripping vs. EVLT) preoperatively and 1.84±1.05 ml/s vs. 2.27±1.59 ml/s (stripping vs. EVLT) postoperatively. EVLT had the almost same effect in eliminating venous reflux compared to stripping surgery. Ultrasonography demonstrated that the saphenous vein diameter was significantly reduced after EVLT.

Conclusion: EVLT is a simple and effective method for treatment of varicose veins as a day surgery procedure.