Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation with cryostripping for great saphenous varicose veins

Abstract

Abstract Background This was the long-term follow-up of a previously reported randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with cryostripping for great saphenous varicose veins. Methods A total of 120 patients with great saphenous varicose veins were randomized 1:1 to EVLA or cryostripping. Principal outcome measures were freedom from incompetence or neovascularization on duplex imaging, and improvement in Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score (AVVSS) 5 years after treatment. Results Life-table analysis showed freedom from duplex-derived incompetence and neovascularization at 5 years in 62 (95 per cent confidence interval 50 to 76) per cent after EVLA and in 51 (39 to 66) per cent after cryostripping (P = 0·246). Neovascularization was more common after cryostripping, but incompetent tributaries were more common after EVLA. VCSS and AVVSS values improved significantly after treatment in both groups, and were maintained for 5 years, but with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion In this study, no significant difference was demonstrated in late outcome after EVLA or cryostripping in patients with great saphenous varicose veins. Registration number: ISRCTN33832691 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).