Duplex guided endo-luminal radiofrequency ablation of the varicosed great saphenous vein "an old technique using the avalible new technology"

Endo-luminal radiofrequency ablation [RFA] has been proposed as a minimally invasive alternative for treatment of refluxing great saphenous vein. The aim of the study is to evaluate applicability and efficacy of duplex guided endo-luminal radiofrequency ablation of the varicosed. great saphenous vein using the available technology and comparing this with the gold standard treatment. Over two years, forty-three patients with primary great saphenous vein varicosities had been selected and randomly divided info two groups; group A [20 patients, 26 limbs] who were planned for sapheno-femoral disconnection and endoluminal radiofrequency [RP] ablation of their great saphenous vein varicosities and group B [23 patients, 30 limbs] who were subjected to sapheno-femoral disconnection and stripping: The RF ablation in this study using a special catheter was done by open technique through one groin crease incision without intraoperative bleeding, postoperative haematoma or ecchymosis. Thermal skin and saphenous nerve injury and superficial thromb-phlebitis were encountered in 2 limbs [7.69%], clinical and duplex recurrence in 3 limbs [11.54%], and cord like sensation in 6 limbs [23.07%]. Endovenous RF obliteration is more expensive, but the patients recovered faster and had significantly shorter sick leaves [3-7 days] than those in the stripping group [7-15 days]. Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using the available technology is effective in eliminating the great saphenous vein from the venous circulation with faster recovery and better cosmetic results than surgical stripping, yet it is still costy and has some adverse effects