A Prospective Comparative Study of Radio Frequency Ablation versus Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery for the Treatment of Varicosities in Varicose Veins Patients

Introduction: Dilated & tortuous subcutaneous veins 3mm or more in diameter are known as varicose veins. When perforating veins become incompetent, it causes chronic venous insufficiency. Majority cases are managed conservatively. Cases with significant skin changes and ulcers, requires surgical procedures. Aim and Objectives: Aim: To compare the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) in the treatment of varicose veins. Objective: 1) To compare the change in clinical severity of the disease after 4 weeks of the surgery using Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). 2) To compare the rate of complications in RFA and SEPS. Methods: A prospective comparative study of 30 patients of varicosities, divided into two groups, A and B according to CEAP classification were assessed for VCSS preoperatively. They underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) respectively and postoperative VCSS was calculated at follow up at 4 weeks. Collected data was assessed for the change in clinical severity of the disease and compared for the complications of both surgical methods. Results: The mean difference of pre op and post op VCSS in patient treated by RFA is 6.0 and the mean difference of pre op and post op VCSS in patient treated by SEPS is 5.4. Post RFA complications include pain (20%) and ecchymosis (13.3%). Paraesthesia and DVT was not noted.