Ambulatory Phlebectomy Versus Compression Sclerotherapy: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery 2003-03, Vol.29 (3), p.221-226
• Main Authors: De Roos, Kees‐Peter, Nieman, Fred H.M., Neumann, H.A. Martino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Humans; Logistic Models; Medical sciences; Plethysmography; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Sclerotherapy; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins - surgery; Vascular surgery: aorta, extremities, vena cava. Surgery of the lymphatic vessels; Vascular Surgical Procedures
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2003.29053.x

BACKGROUND Although no randomized controlled trial has assessed the effects of either compression sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy, both techniques are used to treat varicose veins worldwide. We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare recurrence rates of varicose veins and complications after compression sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy. METHODS From September 1996 to October 1998, we randomly allocated 49 legs to compression sclerotherapy and 49 legs to ambulatory phlebectomy. Our primary outcome parameters were as follows: recurrence rates at 1 and 2 years and complications related to therapy. Eighty‐two patients were included, of whom 16 were included with both of their legs. The number of treated legs was therefore 98, but two patients were lost to follow‐up. RESULTS One year recurrence amounted to 1 out of 48 for phlebectomy and 12 out of 48 for compression sclerotherapy (P