DefinePK

Abstract

  This prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) versus Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins. A total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to receive either EVLT (n=100) or Sclerotherapy (n=100). A three-year study period included assessments of vein closure success and treatment recurrence combined with Venous Clinical Severity Score - VCSS changes and patient satisfaction levels and complications and financial expenses.  The research demonstrated a clear significance between EVLT and Sclerotherapy treatment outcomes based on the generated p-values (0.03 and 0.02). EVLT produced higher vein closure rates of 92% at year one and 94% at year three compared to Sclerotherapy's 84% and 80% closure rates.  The 3-year recurrence rate in the EVLT group came out to 6% which was lower than the 20% recurrence rate in the Sclerotherapy group with a p-value of 0.01.  The VCSS scores diminished substantially in the EVLT group between 3.5 ± 1.1 points and Sclerotherapy between 5.5 ± 2.1 points at the 3-year mark thus indicating superior symptom control in EVLT treatment (p=0.01).  More patients reported satisfaction after EVLT treatment than after the Sclerotherapy approach (85% vs. 72% respectively with p=0.02).  While EVLT required a higher initial expenditure the total three-year treatment expenditure matched those of Sclerotherapy because EVLT needed less post-treatment intervention including follow-up visits.  The better long-term outcomes from EVLT which prevent vein recurrence and improve symptoms along with patient satisfaction establish the procedure as an optimal treatment option for varicose vein therapy especially for patients seeking permanent solutions to enlarged vein conditions..