By Katherine Kozlowski, Medical Author and Contributor to Vein News and VeinsVeinsVeins.com
Randomised controlled study to compare radiofrequency ablation with minimally invasive ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein in the treatment of varicose veins
There are several treatments for varicose veins; however, treatment methods can be limited by cost and availability of resources.
Researchers in India investigated the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation and non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, as the latter could be used as a cost-effective alternative while leading to similar outcomes.
Who was included in the study?
58 patients (62 limbs) with saphenofemoral junction incompetence were included. Patients were evaluated using the CEAP classification scores, venous clinical severity score, venous disability score (measuring a person’s ability to work), and venous doppler (ultrasound).
Patients were randomized into two treatment groups:
1. Radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein – to close off the vein
2. Non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein – to tie off and remove the great saphenous vein
Both procedures were done under local, tumescent anesthesia and ultrasound guidance.
Results and Follow-up
Patients followed up one week, one month, and three months post-procedure to assess obliteration rates (whether or not the vein is closed) and venous clinical severity and disability scores.
At three months, both treatment groups showed 100% obliteration of the great saphenous vein.
Both groups showed improved clinical severity and venous disability scores from 0-90 days post-treatment (p = .0001).
The group receiving radiofrequency ablation treatment showed significantly lower minor complications (p=.0001).
What did the researchers conclude from this study?
Ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein has the same efficacy as radiofrequency ablation, while being less expensive. This can be a widely-used and cost-effective alternative to the radiofrequency ablation treatment for varicose veins.
Reference: Sandhya P A, Mohil R S, Sricharan R. Randomised controlled study to compare radiofrequency ablation with minimally invasive ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein in the treatment of varicose veins. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2020; 102 (7): 525-531.