Endovenous laser treatment for recurrence of great saphenous varicose veins

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovenous laser treatment(EVLT) for recurrence of great saphenous varicose veins.Methods Total of 37 patients(48 lower extremities) with recurrence of great saphenous varicose veins were admitted to our hospital from Jan 2007 to May 2011.After examinations of duplex ultrasound and deep venography,all patients underwent EVLT.Patients with insufficiency of deep venous valves and or) perforating veins,surgery was employed at the same time.Results All patients were followed up for a period of 6-41 months.Out of the 48 limbs,symptoms of soreness and lacking in strength completely disappeared in 44 limbs(91.7%).A complete disappearance of symptoms of swelling and skin pigmentation was achieved in 37 limbs(92.5%,37/40) and 5 limbs(83.3%,5/6) respectively.The varicose superficial veins vanished in all the limbs without recurrence.Conclusion Confirming the etiology of recurrence is important for proper reoperations.EVLT is minimally invasive,safe and effective in treatment of recurrence of great saphenous varicose veins.