Publication:

A comparative study of endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation in the management of varicose veins

Background Endovenous thermal ablation techniques, including Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), have largely replaced conventional surgery for varicose veins. This study compares the short-term efficacy and complication profile of EVLA and RFA.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 127 patients with symptomatic varicose veins treated between January 2019 and March 2024 was conducted. Patients were grouped into RFA (n = 49) and EVLA (n = 78) cohorts. Outcome measures included procedure time, pain scores (6 hrs, 1 day, 10 days), time to return to activity, and complications.

Results The mean procedure duration was 1.31 ± 0.42 hours in the RFA group and 1.23 ± 0.41 hours in the EVLA group (p = 0.321). Pain scores at 6 hours post-procedure were higher in the RFA group (3.65 ± 0.78) compared to the EVLA group (3.38 ± 0.69), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.051). Patients in the EVLA group returned to normal activity significantly earlier (2.26 ± 0.52 days) than those in the RFA group (2.69 ± 0.55 days), with a highly significant difference (p < 0.001). Minor complications were comparable in both groups; however, two cases of tip breakage occurred in the EVLA group.

Conclusion Both RFA and EVLA are effective and safe, but EVLA offers quicker recovery. Long-term comparative studies are warranted.