KUMJ | VOL. 13 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 51 | JULY-SEPT. 2015
Short Term Fate of Great Saphenous Vein after Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins.
Karmacharya RM, Devbhandari M, Shakya YR
Abstract: Background
Radiofrequency ablation of varicose vein have gained popularity compared to
conventional surgery due to comparable long term results in addition to definite
immediate superiorities. This modality has been started in Nepal since August 2003
and the study on short term fate of ablated vein segment confirms the anatomical
benefit in addition to the clinical benefit.
Objective
To analyze short term fate of segment of great saphenous vein that has been treated
by Radiofrequency ablation in terms of occlusion of saphenofemoral junction and
absence of recanalisation on Doppler ultrasonography finding done at 3-6 months
postoperative period.
Method
Total 81 cases subjected for radiofrequency ablation of great saphenous vein in thigh
segment during August 2013 � September 2014 were followed up in between 3 to
6 months by Doppler ultrasonography. The findings were classified into type 1 to 4
results based on the anatomic closure of saphenofemoral junction and absence of
recanalisation on treated segments.
Result
There were total 81 cases with 54.3% female and 45.7% male patients. Mean short
term follow up duration was 4.9 months (S.D. 1.1 months). Great Saphenous Vein was
cannulated most frequently in between 5 cm above knee to 5 cm below knee. Mean
number of Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) segments were 6.6 (SD=3.1). There was
complete occlusion (Type 1 results) in 51 cases (63.0%). In 24 cases (29.6%) there was
competent saphenofemoral junction with partial recanalisation in distal part of Great
Saphenous Vein (GSV) (Type 2 results). In six cases (7.4%) there was incompetent
saphenofemoral junction with partial recanalisation in distal part of Great Saphenous
Vein (Type 3 results). There were no cases with incompetent saphenofemoral junction
with complete recanalisation in distal part of Great Saphenous Vein (Type 4 results).
Conclusion
Radio Frequency Ablation for varicose vein, besides making clinical improvements, is
also associated with good anatomical results.
Keyword : Radiofrequency ablation, saphenofemoral junction, varicose vein.