Comparative Study between Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation and Conventional Surgery of Primary Varicose Veins of Lower Limbs

Abstract Background Varicose veins are the main manifestations of chronic venous disease (CVD), and present as dilated and elongated incompetent superficial veins in the lower limbs. The most common method of treatment for this condition is an open surgery proposed by W. Keller 110 years ago. Radio- Frequency ablation (RFA) was proved to be effective in the treatment in many randomized controlled trials. Aim of the Work to throw light and compare Radio-Frequency Ablation to conventional surgery in treating primary varicose veins in lower limbs. Patients and Methods This prospective study included 30 patients, who were treated for symptomatic varicose veins of the lower limbs divided into two groups. In first one, 15 patients underwent open surgery (the surgery group), while in the other, 15 patients received the Radio- Frequency Ablation (the RF group). The patients were invited to follow-up evaluations at first and second weeks then one and six months after the surgery. Results VCSS scores at one month were better in the RFA group (median VCSS scores 1 (0–2) vs. 4 (3 – 5), p < 0.0001). Patients in the RFA group experienced less postoperative pain (p < .00163). In addition, patients in the RFA group managed to return to work and normal activities sooner than those in the surgery group (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were found between groups for overall satisfaction, rate of complications except hematoma which was higher in surgery group. Conclusion Both treatment techniques yielded similar results in terms of efficacy, complications and overall patient satisfaction. However, early postoperative results in the RF group were superior to those of patients in the surgery group.