A randomized comparative study of the three most commonly performed treatments for varicose veins, results after one year

Objective: This study aims to compare the anatomical success, complications and quality of life after three different treatments for saphenous varicose veins after one year follow-up. Methods: 240 consecutive patients with primary symptomatic great saphenous vein reflux were randomized to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of crossectomy with short stripping (CS). Patients were examined with duplex ultrasound before treatment, after three months and one year. Primary outcome was anatomical success. Complications, number of additional treatments and quality of life were assessed for secondary outcome. Results: After one year the anatomic success rates were highest after EVLA (88.5%), followed by CS (85.3%) and UGFS (72.2%)(p<0,001). The frequency of adverse events was low and not significantly different between the groups. All groups had significant improvements (p<0.001) of CEAP classification and disease-specific Quality of Life (CIVIQ). Conclusion: EVLA was superior in anatomical effectiveness. Quality of life and CEAP-classification improved in all group comparable.