Transilluminated powered phlebectomy in the treatment of large area venous leg ulcers: A case-control study with 3 years follow-up

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and long-term outcome of TIPP for the adjunct therapy of superficial venous reflux-related VLUs.

Methods: A total of 93 consecutive patients (104 legs) with superficial venous insufficiency-related VLUs who underwent TIPP (53 legs) or conventional phlebectomy (51 legs) between January 2010 and December 2013 were retrospectively studied.

Results: Compared to patients in the conventional phlebectomy group, TIPP patients had larger ulcer areas before surgery (P < 0.005). However, TIPP group required a significantly shorter operation time (P < 0.005), fewer incisions (P < 0.005) but less ulcer healing time (1.25 month vs 2.5 months, P < 0.05). No significant difference in in-hospital and follow-up complications was found between the two groups. For long-term outcome, TIPP group leaded a lower ulcer recurrence rate at 36 months (13.2% vs 29.4%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion: TIPP may be an adjunct surgical method contributes to healing of VLUs, especially for large ulcer areas.

Keywords: TIPP; TriVex; chronic venous ulcers; venous surgery.