Mid-term results of endovenous radiofrequency ablation therapy on small saphenous vein

Patients and methods: A total of 52 patients (32 males, 20 females; mean age 44.5±11.8 years; range, 31 to 71) who underwent RFA for incompetency of SSV between January 2015 and January 2017 and who were followed for maximum 33 months were included in our study. Postoperative clinical results and risk factors for SSV sural neuritis were analyzed.

Results: Most of the patients were in Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical Class 3 (n=41, 78.8%). The mean Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ2) score was 26.8±3.8. The mean diameter of the SSV was 6.6±1.5 mm (range 4.5 to 11 mm). The immediate occlusion rate was 100%. All patients returned to normal activity within two days. The CIVIQ2 scores improved significantly postoperatively from 26.8±3.8 to 12.0±4.2 (p=0.01). Post-ablation sural neuritis was diagnosed in two patients (3.8%). At six months, Doppler ultrasound showed partial recanalization in the proximal segment of the SSV in one patient (1.92%).

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that RFA offers many potential advantages over conventional surgery for incompetent SSVs and SSV reflux. However, post-ablation sural nerve injury is a common complication after RFA of SSV, although it is usually temporary. In addition, preoperative CEAP score seems to be a potential risk factor for sural neuritis.