2013 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 37-43
The purpose of this study was to report the comparison of short-term results after between stripping and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedures of varicose vein with the great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux by the same surgeon at a single facility. Twenty cases (7 males and 13 females, mean age 57.4 years) underwent stripping under general anesthesia. Twenty cases (3 males and 17 females, mean age 54.9 years) underwent EVLA using a 1470 nm diode laser under tumescent anesthesia with sedation. The duration of surgery and anesthesia was shorter in EVLA group than in stripping group. The postoperative pain in all cases was tolerable level with analgesics prescribed for 3 days. Although serious complications were not observed in all cases, 2 cases with subcutaneous hemorrhage in stripping group and 2 cases with phlebitis in EVLA group were found. Early postoperative results did not show any significant difference. In terms of cost, stripping may be more financially advantageous than EVLA. Using the 3D-CT scan together with the Doppler ultrasound proves to be beneficial in selecting the appropriate method for each case.
