Comparison of endovenous treatment with an 810 nm laser versus conventional stripping of the great saphenous vein in patients with primary varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Patients with varicose veins seek medical assistance for many reasons, including esthetic ones. The development of suitable and more flexible instruments, along with less invasive techniques, enables the establishment of new therapeutic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare endovenous great saphenous vein photocoagulation with an 810 nm diode laser and the conventional stripping operation in the same patient.

METHODS: Twenty patients selected for operative treatment of primary great saphenous vein insufficiency on duplex scanning were assigned to a bilateral random comparison. In all cases, both techniques were performed, one on each lower limb. Clinically, evaluation was assessed on the seventh, thirtieth, and sixtieth postoperative days. Patients underwent examination with duplex ultrasonography and air plethysmography during the follow-up.

RESULTS: Patients who received endovenous photocoagulation presented with the same pain but fewer swellings and less bruising than the stripping side. Most patients indicated that the limb operated on by laser received more benefits than the other. There was only one recanalization and no adverse effects. The venous filling time showed better hemodynamics in both techniques.

CONCLUSION: The endovenous great saphenous vein photocoagulation is safe and well tolerated and presents results comparable to those of conventional stripping.