Comparison of Endovenous Treatment Using a 980 nm Diode Laser versus Conventional Stripping for Truncal Saphenous Vein Incompetence: Mid-term Results by VCSS Score and Recurrence / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to assess and compare mid-term clinical outcomes including recurrences between endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and stripping. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 2007 and February 2010, 318 limbs in 237 patients with saphenous truncal varicosities were treated by laser energy using a 980 nm diode or were treated with conventional stripping. At the initial visit and at 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months postoperatively, clinical examination and questioning for Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) as well as duplex ultrasonography were done. In order to compare clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups, EVLT versus stripping, all data were processed and analyzed. RESULT: There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups in the extent of the reflux and the number of insufficient perforating veins. The in EVLT and the stripping group at 12 months were 90.3+/-4.5% and 93.9+/-4.2%, respectively (p>0.05). Total recurrence rates were 4.4% in the EVLT group and 1.5% in the stripping group (p>0.05). In both groups, the VCSS scores were significantly reduced at week 1, 1 month, and 2 months after EVLT or stripping (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Efficiency in eliminating truncal saphenous vein incompetence and reducing venous clinical severity were equal in the two treatment groups.