A retrospective study comparing endovenous laser ablation and microwave ablation for great saphenous varicose veins.

BACKGROUND Endo-venous laser or microwave ablation is a minimally invasive surgery for treating varicose veins of lower limbs. AIM The aim of our study was to determine whether endovenous microwave ablation of the greater saphenous vein was associated with better effectiveness and less complications than the endovenous laser ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS From July 2008 to June 2011, 259 cases (306 limbs) of varicose veins were assigned to endovenous laser ablation (n=138, 163 limbs) or endovenous microwave ablation (n=121, 143 limbs). RESULTS Through analysis there was no significant difference of the operating time, length of hospital stay and Aberdeen score in the two groups. The recanalization rate was statistically higher in the laser group than that in the microwave group. The ecchymosis complication was significantly lower in microwave ablation than that of laser ablation group. However, the skin burn and paralysis complications were significantly lower in the laser ablation than that of microwave ablation group. CONCLUSIONS Endo-venous microwave ablation is an effective alternative to laser ablation for treatment of varicose veins, associated with higher occlusion rate and without serious complications.