Phlebology > Volume 25, Number 1 > Pp. 38-43

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Original articles

Endovenous treatments for varicose veins – over-taking or over-rated?

A C Shepherd, M S Gohel, M Hamish, C S Lim and A H Davies 

Imperial Vascular Unit, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK

Correspondence: Professor A H Davies MA DM FRCS, Imperial Vascular Unit, Imperial College, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK Email: a.h.davies{at}imperial.ac.uk

Objectives: A variety of endovenous therapies for the treatment of superficial venous incompetence are currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endovenous techniques used by consultant vascular surgeons in the United Kingdom.

Methods: An anonymous online survey of 16 multiple choice questions relating to the nature and provision of treatment for varicose veins was devised. Consultant members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland were invited to participate by email.

Results: A total of 108/352 (31%) surgeons completed the survey. The majority offered surgery as the first-line treatment for primary great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence (69% and 74%, respectively). Endovenous procedures were offered as first-line treatment by 32/108 (29.6%) for GSV reflux, 36/51 (70.6%) surgeons performed these under local anaesthetic and 21/51 (41.2%) were performed as an outpatient procedure. The most important factor influencing treatment decisions was considered to be patient preference by 77/108 (71.3%) surgeons, although 48/61 (78.7%) respondents were restricted by primary care trusts with regard to endovenous treatments, and 33/108 (30.6%) offered different treatments to private patients.

Conclusion: Traditional surgery remains the most commonly offered treatment for patients with varicose veins. The provision of endovenous therapies varies greatly, and there are significant differences in local availability regarding these treatments.

Key Words: varicose veins • endovenous ablation • traditional surgery • survey

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