The Postoperative Benefits of Ruscus Extract in Endovenous Laser Ablation Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of 108 Patients

Endovenous laser ablation Ruscus extract Venoactive drugs Chronic venous insufficiency Postoperative recoveryObjective To evaluate the postoperative clinical benefits of Ruscus aculeatus extract in patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for great saphenous vein insufficiency, focusing on symptom improvement, clinical severity scores, and objective limb measurements.Methods This retrospective study included 108 patients who underwent EVLA between December 2024 and December 2025.All patients received postoperative venoactive therapy containing Ruscus radix et rhizoma (225 mg twice daily for 6 months).Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), ankle and calf circumferences, and Doppler findings were recorded preoperatively and at 1-and 6-month follow-up.Results A total of 108 patients were included after applying the exclusion criteria.The mean age was 47.8±11.2years, and 72.2% were female.All patients demonstrated great saphenous vein reflux on Doppler ultrasonography (mean diameter 7.6±2.1 mm).EVLA alone was performed in 25% of patients, while 75% underwent EVLA combined with mini phlebectomy.No major perioperative complications were observed.Significant symptomatic improvement was achieved following EVLA and postoperative venoactive therapy (Ruscus radix et rhizoma).Mean VAS pain scores decreased from 6.4±1.1 preoperatively to 2.1±0.8 at 1 month and 0.8±0.6 at 6 months (both p<0.001).Similarly, VCSS improved progressively, declining from 7.2±1.3 to 6.4±1.1 at 1 month (p=0.02) and to 2.9±1.0 at 6 months (p<0.001).Objective limb measurements showed significant reductions in ankle and calf circumferences at both follow-up points.No serious complications, including deep vein thrombosis, were detected during the 6-month follow-up.Conclusion Postoperative use of Ruscus extract following EVLA appears to enhance symptomatic recovery, reduce inflammation-related complaints, and improve clinical severity scores.These findings support its role as an effective adjunctive therapy after EVLA; however, larger randomized studies are required to validate these outcomes.