Endovenous ablation plus microphlebectomy/sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins: single or two-stage procedure?

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish how often after the performance of endovenous ablation (EA), a second stage is required.

Methods: Eighty-six consecutive lower extremities in 76 patients treated with laser EA were the cohort of this study. The clinical result after EA at 1 month was classified as excellent (no varicosities), good (major reduction in size), and poor (no change). Need for further intervention (sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy) was determined at the 1-month follow-up.

Results: Complete resolution of varicosities after EA was found in 36 extremities (41.8%), reduction in size in 48 extremities (55.8%), and no change in 2 extremities (2.3%). Of the 86 extremities studied, 36 (41.8%) were considered in need of a second stage procedure.

Conclusion: After EA, 58.2% of extremities did not require further treatment. These results add further justification to the performance of EA alone as a first stage.