DefinePK

Research Objective

To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy combined with sapheno-femoral ligation (UGFS+SFL) versus conventional surgical treatment for varicose veins.

Methodology

A comparative study involving 80 patients with primary varicose veins due to saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Patients were randomly assigned to either the UGFS+SFL group or the conventional surgery group. Outcomes assessed included CEAP and VCSS scores, early post-operative complications, procedure costs, and vein obliteration rates via ultrasound follow-up at 3 weeks and 3 months.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Patient Recruitment 80 patients with varicose veins] --> B[Random Assignment];
    B --> C[UGFS+SFL Group];
    B --> D[Conventional Surgery Group];
    C --> E[Intervention: UGFS+SFL];
    D --> F[Intervention: Conventional Surgery];
    E --> G[Outcome Assessment CEAP, VCSS, Complications, Cost];
    F --> G;
    G --> H[Ultrasound Follow-up 3 weeks, 3 months];
    H --> I[Data Analysis];
    I --> J[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that UGFS+SFL is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to conventional surgery for varicose veins, offering comparable clinical outcomes with fewer complications and lower costs. The minimally invasive nature of UGFS+SFL contributes to reduced recovery times and lower complication rates. The economic advantage makes UGFS+SFL an attractive option.

Key Findings

Both UGFS+SFL and conventional surgery led to significant improvements in CEAP and VCSS scores. The UGFS+SFL group showed a greater reduction in VCSS scores post-treatment. Early complications were fewer in the UGFS+SFL group, with no cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or saphenous nerve injury, unlike the surgical group. The cost of UGFS+SFL (Rs. 255,924) was significantly lower than conventional surgery (Rs. 425,644). Ultrasound follow-up revealed high rates of vein obliteration in both groups, with the UGFS+SFL group having slightly lower rates of full obliteration at 3 months.

Conclusion

UGFS+SFL is an effective and cost-effective alternative to conventional surgery for treating varicose veins, offering comparable clinical outcomes with fewer complications and lower costs. It achieves high rates of vein obliteration, making it a viable option for patients seeking a less invasive approach.

Fact Check

1. Cost Comparison: UGFS+SFL cost Rs. 255,924, significantly lower than conventional surgery at Rs. 425,644. (Confirmed in Results section).
2. Complications: The UGFS+SFL group had no cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or saphenous nerve injury, whereas the surgical group did. (Confirmed in Results section).
3. Study Duration: The study was conducted over a period of 18 months. (Confirmed in Materials & Methods section).

Mind Map