A nonrandomised controlled trial of endovenous laser therapy and surgery in the treatment of varicose veins

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. This study compares early quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes following EVLT and surgery. Two nonrandomized groups were studied: an EVLT group with 70 patients, median age 49 (interquartile range [IQR] 35-58) years, and a surgery group with 62 patients, median age 49 (IQR 35-61) years. Patients were assessed prior to and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks following the procedure using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Follow-up at 1, 6, and 12 weeks was 100%, 77%, and 70% following EVLT and 100%, 85%, and 47% following surgery. SF-36 scores were significantly better in the EVLT group at 1 week (Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, Vitality, and Social Functioning domains) and at 6 weeks (Physical Functioning and Role Physical). At 12 weeks, no significant differences were evident between the groups. AVVQ scores were significantly better in the EVLT group at 6 and 12 weeks. VCSS scores were significantly improved in both groups at 12 weeks. EVLT and surgery provide similar QoL improvements in patients with varicose veins. EVLT, however, removes the QoL limitations experienced by patients in the early postoperative period.