Strategy to prevent nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis in radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation of the saphenous veins using a new objective pain scale

Abstract

Objective We evaluated the benefit of local anesthesia including tumescent anesthesia and active walking soon after surgery in preventing nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis caused during endovenous ablation. Methods Endovenous ablation was performed in 1334 consecutive patients. Varicectomy was performed using the stab avulsion technique. After surgery, patients were encouraged to walk 100–200 m inside the ward for 3–5 times/h. The pain was evaluated objectively using the Okamura pain scale and subjectively using the numerical rating scale. Results Stab avulsion was performed at 11.8 ± 8.0 sites and the mean operative time was 33.9 ± 15.2 min. The mean Okamura pain scale and numerical rating scale scores were 1.6 ± 1.3 and 3.0 ± 2.0, respectively. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were absent. The incidence of nerve injury was 0.3%. Conclusions Endovenous ablation should be performed with the patients under local anesthesia to prevent nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis.