Endovenous laser treatment ( EVLT ) for the saphenous reflux and varicose veins: A follow‐up study

Purpose The aim of this study is to report our experience about endovenous laser treatment ( EVLT ) for lower extremity varices in our centre which was followed by ultrasonography during the 6‐month period. Methods During a 1‐year period, 46 patients who were treated by EVLT with the 940‐nm diode laser for venous insufficiency enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of greater saphenous vein ( GSV ) incompetence with reflux was made by clinical evaluation and duplex D oppler examinations. Clinical outcomes, complications and duplex ultrasound of the GSV were assessed within 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, after the endovascular laser treatment. Results The mean age of our patients was 44 ± 11 years (24–70), and among them, 23 (50%) were male. Improvement in visible varicosity was seen in 39 (84.8%) patients after 6 months ( P value = 0.011). The baseline mean diameter of GSV was 4.9 ± 1.6 mm and it dropped to 3.5 ± 1.3 after 6 months ( P  < 0.0001). After 6 months, 95.7% of our patients were satisfied and recommended this procedure to others. Conclusions Endovascular laser ablation seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of lower limb varices.