Abstract:

Objective: This retrospective study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and durability of endovenous laser ablation with 940 nanometer wavelength with at least one-year follow-up. Materials and methods: Between December 2009 and February 2012, a total of 68 incompetent great saphenous veins and 4 small saphenous veins were treated by endovenous laser ablation, using 940 nanometer wavelengths. Patients underwent standard clinical and duplex follow-up examinations with an average of 18 months (range 12 to 26 months) after endovenous laser ablation. Patient satisfaction regarding the procedure was assessed with the use of a visual analog scale (range 1 to 100). Results: Post-procedural duplex scans showed total occlusion of the treated great saphenous veins in 56 patients (97%) and sub-total occlusion in 2 (3%) patients. For small saphenous veins, post-procedural duplex scans showed total occlusion in 4 (100%) patients. The average pre-procedure modified clinical picture, etiology, anatomic distribution and pathophysiology clinical score improved significantly after 12 months. Complications from our series included swelling and induration in 3 patients (5%), skin pigmentation in 3 patients (5%). Patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome was 83.2 % (±11.8, n=58). Conclusion: Our results seem to be satisfying, and this study has reaffirmed the effectiveness and durability of endovenous laser ablation with 940 wavelengths in the treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency.

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