Endovenous radiofrequency for chronic superficial venous insufficiency: Clinical outcomes and impact in quality of life

Summary Background Endovenous treatment of lower limb varicose veins is progressively replacing conventional surgery. The authors are investigating radiofrequency (RFA) results in terms of vein occlusion, complications, patient's satisfaction and quality of life in a single centre. Methods and materials A retrospective analysis of medical charts with a prospective follow-up was performed on data about patients undergoing RFA for insufficiency of great saphenous vein (GSV). Results A total number of 135 patients (164 limbs) (63% n 85 female; 37% n 50 male; mean age of 53.9 years, range 24–85 years; mean VCSS score (Venous Clinical Severity Score) 6, range 4–22) were included. Complete obliteration of GSV was obtained in 98.2% of the cases. No device- or procedure-related adverse events occurred. No deep venous thromboses, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, major bleeding, paraesthesia nor skin burn were detected. Patients returned to normal activities in a mean of 8 days (range 5–10). One-month postoperatively, the mean quality of life scores 6 (range 5–9) and mean satisfaction score was 6 (range 4–8) in a scale from 0 to 8. At a median follow-up of 11 months (range 2–18), mean VCSS was 3.9 (range 2–8). Conclusions Radiofrequency guarantees good functional outcomes and low rate of complications. It is associated with high satisfaction rate and quality of life score.