Neovascularisation and Recurrence 2 Years After Varicose Vein Treatment for Sapheno-Femoral and Great Saphenous Vein Reflux: A Comparison of Surgery and Endovenous Laser Ablation

AbstractObjectiveNeovascularisation is a major cause of recurrent varicosities following surgery. This prospective cohort study compares recurrence rates and the occurrence of neovascularisation following surgery or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for great saphenous vein reflux.Method118 consecutive patients (72 female, 46 male, median age 48 [range 32–68 years]), 129 limbs were reviewed at a median of 24 months (range 18–30) after surgery (n=60 limbs) or EVLA (n=69 limbs) for primary sapheno-femoral and GSV reflux. Varicose vein recurrence, ultrasound detected groin neovascularisation and patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale) were recorded.ResultsRecurrence rates at 2 years were: surgery group 4/60 (6.6%; mid-thigh perforator n=2, residual GSV with neovascularisation n=2), EVLA group 5/69 (7%; GSV recanalisation n=3 (all received