Randomised controlled study to compare radiofrequency ablation with minimally invasive ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein in the treatment of varicose veins.

INTRODUCTION: Flush ligation at the saphenofemoral junction and stripping of the great saphenous vein is being increasingly replaced by endovenous methods such as radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. These modalities are expensive and not widely available. A minimally invasive ultrasound-guided surgery with non-flush ligation and stripping under local anaesthesia is a cost-effective alternative with similar postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 limbs (58 patients) with saphenofemoral junction incompetence underwent clinical evaluation including the CEAP clinical score, the venous clinical severity score, the venous disability score and venous doppler. Patients were randomly assigned to either group A (radiofrequency ablation) or group B (ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein) for procedures under tumescent anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance. Patients were followed-up on days 7, 30 and 90 to assess primary (obliteration rates) and secondary (venous clinical severity score and venous disability score) outcomes. RESULTS: Both the groups showed 100% obliteration of the great saphenous vein at day 90. The venous clinical severity and venous disability scores significantly improved from day 0 to day 90 in both groups (p = 0.0001). There were no major complications. Group A showed significantly lower minor complications (p = 0.001). None required conversation to general anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided non-flush ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein are as efficacious as radio frequency ablation, with similar obliteration rates, improvement in disability scores and complication profile at a lower cost. It has the potential for wider availability in the community as most surgeons are conversant with the surgical procedure.