Endovenous Laser Ablation with 1,470-nm Diode with Tumescence Anesthesia and Saphenofemoral Ligation: Propensity Score Match Comparison.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare 2 groups of patients treated for great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux with open surgical saphenofemoral ligation (SFL) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

METHODS: Consecutive patients with primary unilateral GSV reflux undergoing EVLA treatment since 2014 were enrolled, and another series of patients treated with SFL was considered. The patients were stratified according to treatment and the results were compared using the propensity score (1:1). The covariables were age, gender, body mass index, CEAP (Clinical class, Etiology, Anatomy and Pathophysiology) staging, and GSV and saphenofemoral junction diameters. Primary outcomes were GSV occlusion or recurrent groin varicose veins at 1 year after treatment. Secondary outcomes included vein thrombosis, hyperpigmentation, paresthesia, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and ecchymosis assessed at discharge and CEAP stage and quality of life (QoL) assessment 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were included in the study: 59 were treated with EVLA and 64 with SFL. At 12 months, we observed 10 recurrent groin varicose veins after SFL (15.6%) and 6 GSV recanalization after EVLA (10.2%, P = 0.369). Extra-saphenous recurrent varicose veins were observed in 36 patients (29.3%): 20 in the open group (31.2%) and 16 in EVLA group (27.1%, P = 0.615). After matching procedure 74 patients were analyzed (37 patients by group), logistic regression model showed that the risk of outcome was not associated with the surgical treatment (odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 0.52-6.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques to treat saphenous impairment have demonstrated to be safe, with good results in terms of efficacy and symptomatic improvement at follow-up. EVLA with 1,470 nm seems to have lower rates of recurrence and good perceived QoL. Tumescent anesthesia is a good option with good results and may be extended to open surgical ligation.