OBJETIVE: To evaluate results of endovenous laser treatment for primary varicose veins. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From July 2001 to September 2004 (39 months), 253 outpatients (417 limbs) were treated with 810 and 980 nm diode laser energy delivered percutaneously using optical fiber introduced by puncture under ultrasound guidance. Tumescent anesthesia (50-150 ml of 0.2% lidocaine) was delivered perivenously. Power and duration of the pulse were determined by vein diameter. Duplex control was performed at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter to assess treatment efficacy and adverse effects. RESULTS: Primary great saphenous vein occlusion was obtained in 405 of 417 members (97.1%). Twelve recurrent cases (2.9%) were successfully treated. Mean follow-up time was 18 months. During this period, global recurrence rate of varicose veins was 7.4%; 6.3% (26 limbs) related to tributary and collateral veins of the saphenofemoral junction, and 1.2% (five limbs) with great saphenous vein recanalization. All recurrences occurred between 3 and 12 months. Ecchymosis was the most common adverse effect (60.6%). Other complications were: moderate pain during the procedure (16.1%); hematoma (5.5%), superficial phlebitis of varicose tributaries (3.4%), hyperpigmentation (2.9%), transient paresthesia (3.4%). There were no cases of great saphenous vein thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli. CONCLUSION: Varicose vein treatment with endovenous laser technique was successful in occluding great saphenous vein and its branches, with self-limited adverse effects and recurrence rate lower than 8% in the follow-up period.
Varicose veins; laser surgery; lasers
