OUTCOME OF RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION OF VARIOUS STAGES OF VARICOSE VEINS

Aim: To study the outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation of varicose veins and its complications. Methods and Materials: We have done prospective study of 202 patients and 224 limbs of various stages of varicose vein, admitted in Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Chennai, over a period of 15 months from the year 2013 to 2014. All patients were evaluated with Duplex- Doppler examination, in addition to routine investigations and underwent endovenous continuous RF ablation. Patients were followed up for 6 months period and findings were recorded. Results: The post- operative pain score, ulcer healing rate and complication rates were evaluated. The visual analogue score for pain dropped from an average of 7 to 2 at the end of 8 weeks and faster ulcer healing rate. The paresthesia, superficial thrombophlebitis and recanalizations rates were 2.6, 8.2 and 1.9 respectively. There were no cases of deep vein thrombosis observed in our study. Conclusion: Endovenous continuous radiofrequency ablation is safer and faster method of treating all stages of varicose vein and more patients are opting for endovenous ablation rather than conventional methods.