OUTCOME OF ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY FOR GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN REFLUX. EARLY EXPERIENCE IN UPPER EGYPT

Aim of work: To assess the efficacy and safety of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for management of great 
saphenous veins (GSV) reflux.
Materials and Methods: 25 GSVs in 25 patients (18 females, 7 males) with a mean age of 37.2 years (range 
from 25 - 60 years) with incompetence at saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and GSV reflux were treated with 
EVLT by 980-nm diode laser and evaluated in a prospective study for one year. Patients were evaluated 
clinically and by duplex ultrasonography at 1 week,1,3,6,9 and 12 months postoperatively to determine 
efficacy and procedure related complications.
Results: EVLT was technically successful in 24 GSVs (96 %) and remained closed for the whole 12 months 
clinically and by follow-up duplex ultrasonography. Three patients(12 %) developed pain during the 1-week, 
Ecchymosis were seen in 18 patients(72%), 2 patients (8%) developed palpable indurations. No one developed 
paraesthesia or major complications particularly deep venous thrombosis. Complementary foam 
sclerotherapy was done in 19 patients (76%). 
Conclusion: EVLT for GSV reflux appears to be safe, feasible and efficient outpatient technique. With proper 
patient selection, EVLT can be considered as a successful method for treating superficial vein reflux and may 
replace the traditional surgical procedure. Long-term follow-up is awaited.