October 22, 2021 Author : Pedro Pinto de Sousa Chronic venous disease has a high prevalence in the adult population and is associated with a significant loss of quality of life. Its initial presentation as telangiectasias or reticular veins is around 80%; The next clinical stage, varicose veins, has a prevalence of 20%-64%. The presence of varicose veins is often related to insufficiency of the great or small saphenous vein. Traditionally, its correction by conventional surgery consisted on ligation at saphenous-femoral or saphenous-popliteal junction and its excision using the stripping method. In recent years, new intravenous techniques have been developed, popularly known as minimally invasive techniques . Among these, radiofrequency ablation stands out. Radiofrequency ablation This procedure has a high success rate . Persistence rates of saphenous vein occlusion are described, reaching 95% at 3-5 years after treatment. When compared with the traditional surgical technique, radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency allows for comparable values to be achieved with regard to: Safety; Efficiency; Recurrence rate. However, there are advantages over conventional surgery: The rate of neovascularization at the inguinal level is lower since radiofrequency ablation does not require a surgical approach at this level; Complications associated with the surgical wound are avoided, for example bruises or infection; In general, post-operatively there is less pain, swelling, and bruising. Thus, in chronic venous disease, particularly in the case of the treatment of the great or small saphenous veins, radiofrequency ablation allows : Faster recovery; Earlier return to daily living activities; Less absenteeism. Patients treated using radiofrequency have the same or better results when quality of life parameters are evaluated after the procedure. For these reasons, the European Society for Vascular Surgery stated in its latest guidelines, in 2015, that for patients with symptoms and signs of chronic venous disease, the treatment of reflux of the great saphenous vein should be done, preferably, using intravenous thermal ablation techniques instead of conventional surgery. Meet the vascular surgery team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
