Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities:Prevention and Treatment of Recurrence

Objective To investigate the cause and prevention of recurrence after endovenous laser treatment(EVLT) for varicose veins of lower extremities.Methods A total of 453 cases(535 limbs) with varicose veins of lower extremities from Oct 2002 to Aug 2006 in our hospital were administrated.Forty-two cases(44 limbs) were recurrent,the recurrent rate was 8.22%.Of all recurrent cases,20 limbs were induced by dysfunction of communicating branch of veins,15 limbs were induced by reopening of great saphenous vein(GSV),6 limbs were induced by residual trunk of lesser saphenous vein(LSV),2 limbs were induced by primary deep venous insufficiency(PDVI),and 1 limb was induced by double GSV malformation.Results Forty-two cases were reoperated and without recurrence followed-up from 1 to 4 years postoperatively.Conclusions Confirming the etiology and extent of varicose vein to select proper procedures,manage the communicating branch of veins and highly ligate the GSV might be the key way to avoid recurrence.