Abstract

Two-hundred patients suffering from varicose veins of the great saphenous vein with chronic venous insufficiency underwent endovascular laser therapy (EVLT) in MGM Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Diode laser fiber of 1470 nm wavelength was used. In a few cases, residual dilated veins were injected with sclerosants (Inj. Polidocanol). Doppler studies were carried out immediately after the procedure to confirm complete occlusion of the ablated vein, elimination of reflux and to rule out deep vein thrombosis. The procedure was carried out as a day-care procedure under local anesthesia. All patients were followed up clinically and ultrasonographically at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Results were quite satisfactory. 96.5% of patients showed complete occlusion of the treated veins and 98.5% showed complete elimination of reflux at 1-year follow-up. Of the 21 patients who had venous ulcers, 20 healed completely at 1 year. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 2.5%. All other complications were minor. We conclude that EVLT gave satisfactory results in the management of varicose veins during a follow-up period of 12 months post-procedure.

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