Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cosmetic effects of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) plus transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP) in the treatment of primary varicose veins.
Methods: The clinical effects of EVLT plus TIPP in treatment of 82 patients of primary varicose vein with 105 extremities were evaluated. The procedure-related parameters, clinical outcomes, and complications were recorded. The venous function was assessed by venous photoelectric plethysmography (VPPG). Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ) and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) surveys were used to appraise the quality of life and symptomatic alleviation.
Results: The successful rates of EVLT and TIPP was 98.1% (103/105) and 100% (105/105) respectively. The average operating time was 53.8 min (35 approximately 108 min). The average number of wounds was 4.4 (3 approximately 7). The postoperative hospitalization time was 4.8 d (2 approximately 6 d). The follow-up rates 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were 100%, 93.9%, and 35.4% respectively. Obvious symptom alleviation or entire disappearance was noticed in all the limbs 3 months after operation. The hemodynamic parameters, such as venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) were significantly ameliorated 1 month after the operation compared with those measured preoperatively (all P<0.01). No further improvements were noticed from then on (P>0.05). Disease specific quality of life was greatly improved after operation (P=0.000). 91.5% of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative appearance of the involved limbs.
Conclusion: EVLT plus TIPP is an efficacious minimally invasive strategy for the treatment of primary varicose veins, resulting in approving cosmetic effect as well.