Ambulatory Surgery of Lower Extremity Varicose Vein
Ambulatory Surgery of Lower Extremity Varicose Vein
OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the results of ambulatory treatment on Taiwanese
 patients with primary varicosities of the lower extremities including the use of endovenous
 laser, phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy.

 METHODS: We routinely used tumescent anesthesia and ultrasound-guided approaches for the
 application of endovenous laser. Vein access was achieved by either a percutaneous or stab
 wound. The laser power was usually 10 - 20 watts; laser treatment usually was begun from 4-10
 cm below the saphenofemoral junction, and stopped around the knee, not over 10 cm below the
 knee. In the same operation, we used Mueller's phlebectomy and/or sclerotherapy if there were
 prominent branch varicosities. We instructed each patient to walk around immediately after
 the operation, to go home, and to come back 1-3 days later for follow-up. Ultrasound scan and
 venous function follow-up was scheduled at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  All patients with varicose veins who underwent endovenous laser treatment for GSV
 reflux in our hospital were reviewed

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  poor general health, inability to walk, active inflammation of varicose veins, deep
 venous occlusion disease, hypercoagulability, pregnancy and breast-feeding.