Comparing treatments for varicose veins

For the first time, Scottish researchers compared the effectiveness of the three most widely-used procedures for the treatment of varicose veins.

They found no significant differences in quality of life measures from people undergoing either endovenous laser ablation, foam sclerotherapy, or surgical stripping

University of Aberdeen researchers compared the effectiveness of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, and surgical stripping for the treatment of varicose veins.

Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a physician's office.

A laser is used to heat the lining of the varicose vein, damaging it and causing it to collapse, shrink, and eventually disappear.

In foam sclerotherapy ultrasound is used to pinpoint the location of the vein, then a solution that is the consistency of shaving cream is administered. It adheres to vein walls and ultimately kills it.

Surgical stripping is used to remove or tie-off a large vein that may be causing the problem.

Results show all 3 treatments tended to produce the desired result, but complications were less frequent after laser treatment.

Complete findings for the “A randomized trial comparing treatments for varicose veins,” can be found in the “New England Journal of medicine.”