Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for the saphenous reflux and varicose veins: A follow-up study

Purpose The aim of this study is to report our experience about endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for lower extremity varices in our centre which was followed by ultrasonography during the 6-month period. Methods During a 1-year period, 46 patients who were treated by EVLT with the 940-nm diode laser for venous insufficiency enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of greater saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence with reflux was made by clinical evaluation and duplex Doppler examinations. Clinical outcomes, complications and duplex ultrasound of the GSV were assessed within 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, after the endovascular laser treatment. Results The mean age of our patients was 44 +/- 11 years (2470), and among them, 23 (50%) were male. Improvement in visible varicosity was seen in 39 (84.8%) patients after 6 months (P value=0.011). The baseline mean diameter of GSV was 4.9 +/- 1.6mm and it dropped to 3.5 +/- 1.3 after 6 months (P<0.0001). After 6 months, 95.7% of our patients were satisfied and recommended this procedure to others. Conclusions Endovascular laser ablation seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of lower limb varices.