A Randomised controlled study comparing flush ligation to steam ablation for great saphenous varicose veins.

DR.CHANDRASHEKAR.S; DR.SURAJ. J

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2016

A Randomised controlled study comparing flush ligation to steam ablation for great saphenous varicose veins.

Dr. Chandrashekar. S, Dr. Suraj. J

Abstract :

Background:

The aim was to compare Flush ligation and endovenous steam ablation (EVSA) for great saphenous varicose veins .

Methods:

Patients with primary great saphenous vein reflux were randomized to undergo Flush ligation or EVSA . Primary outcomes were treatment success (vein obliteration) at 52 weeks, and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were pain, satisfaction with treatment, duration of analgesia use and days lost from daily activities, changes in Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) and scores after 12 weeks, and complications at 2 and 12 weeks.

Results:

A total of 227 legs were treated (EVSA, 117; Flush ligation, 110). At 1 year, the treatment success rate after high-dose EVSA was not inferior to that of Flush ligation: 92 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 86 to 98) versus 96 (92 to 100) per cent respectively. Changes in VCSS after 12 weeks were similar: −2⋅69 (95 per cent c.i. −2⋅34 to −3⋅04) and −2⋅51 (−2⋅10 to −2⋅93). AVVQ scores improved equally 12 weeks after both treatments. Patients treated with EVSA reported less post procedural pain, fewer days of analgesia use, were more satisfied with therapy, and had a shorter convalescence. Complication rates were comparable.

Conclusion:

The 1-year treatment success of high-dose EVSA was not inferior to that of Flush ligation. Several secondary outcomes were in favour of EVSA.