Objective: To assess the efficacy and rate of complications of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency.
Method: Between august 2002 and june 2007, 341 of the lower limbs of 322 patients were treated with EVLT using a 980-nm diode laser. Duplex ultrasound and clinical examinations were performed on the day of the procedure, the next day, and 6 to 12 months after the procedure.
Results: All procedures were technically successful, and at the 3 months follow-up the Doppler ultrasound indicated the complete obstruction in all cases. 67 of the 70 lower limbs presented a complete obstruction at the 2 year follow-up. Only in two cases (2.85%) the GSV recanalization was observed after 6 months. As side effects reversible paresthesia, transient postoperative pain and ecchymosis were observed.
Conclusion: EVLT is a safe technique, with low incidence of recanalization and postoperative complications.