The significance of minimally invasive treatment methods in the single-stage elimination of varicose vein disease of the great and small saphenous veins of the lower limbs and their branches

Abstract

Introduction. This article presents a clinical case of successful and single-stage endovenous laser coagulation combined with miniphlebectomy in a patient with extensive and combined varicose lesion of all major subcutaneous veins of the lower limbs with significant symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.Aim. To determine the possibilities of simultaneous elimination of all main subcutaneous veins and their varicose tributaries on both lower limbs using minimally invasive methods.Materials and methods. A 44-year-old female patient complained of gastrocnemius muscle cramps, swollen shins, feeling of heaviness at the end of the working day and the presence of varicose veins in both lower extremities. The severity of the chronic vein disease before the intervention according to the VCSS (Venous clinical Severity Score) was 8. As a result, patency of deep veins and condition of their valve apparatus, insufficiency of valves of the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal annexes on both sides with reflux through large and small saphenous veins and anterior accessory large saphenous vein on the right, insufficiency of perforating veins of both tibias were determined. Endovenous laser coagulation of the great and small saphenous veins on both sides and the right anterior accessory great saphenous vein, miniphlebectomy of dilated tributaries within both lower limbs was performed. The symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency decreased markedly. Swelling of the lower legs and cramps in the gastrocnemiu muscles have almost completely disappeared, and the feeling of heaviness in the legs after static loads has significantly decreased.Conclusion. Endovenous laser coagulation with miniphlebectomy should be given preference in varicose vein disease with combined affection of all great saphenous veins of both lower limbs. Their application provides an opportunity to eliminate simultaneously incompetence of all target veins and to remove varicose dilated tributaries, providing good therapeutic and cosmetic effect without hospitalization and detachment of the patient from his or her work activity.