Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities Treated by Electrocoagulation / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the therapeutic efficacy of electrocoagulation for varicose veins of the lower extremities.Methods Totally 168 cases(238 limbs)of varicose veins of the lower extremities were treated with electrocoagulation in our department from April 2000 to April 2007.Through a small ankle incision,electrocoagulation probe was inserted ascendingly into the groin via the great saphenous vein.After high ligation of the great saphenous vein,the varicose veins and great saphenous trunk were electrocoagulated.Results The patients were discharged from hospital in one to two days after the operation.None of them had incisional infection.The ulcers at the ankle were healed in four weeks.Postoperative complications in this series,included Ⅰ degree burn injury in one limb,Ⅱ degree burn injury in one limb,superficial phlebitic pain in two limbs(two cases);and numbness around the ankle in 14 limbs(10 cases).Totally 148 cases with 208 limbs were followed up for 2 to 9 years with a mean of 6.6 years.During the period,the rate of recurrent varicosity was 3.4%(7/208);and healing rates of ache,dermatitis and eczema,ankle pigment,swelling around the calf and ankle were 95.3%(162/170),85.7%(12/14),41.7%(15/36)and 36.4%(16/44)respectively.Conclusion Electrocoagulation is a minimally invasive and effective method for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities,with quick recovery and low rate of recurrence.