Trends in varicose vein therapy in the change of time

Abstract

The therapy of varicose veins has developed rapidly in the last two decade. Numerous new therapy methods have been added. Surgical treatment with crossectomy and saphenectomy has been a gold standard for many years. International guidelines (NICE, AVF) currently recommend endoluminal laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy treatment of varicose veins as first line treatment. The extent and establishment of these new techniques in clinical practice in Germany over the last 20 years to today is unknown. Therefore was a survey initiated about the therapy methods for primary varicose veins and recurrent varicose veins 20 years ago, 10 years ago and today. All phlebologists, who work in the certificated vein competence centres in Germany, were included in this study. (According to the German Society of Phlebology and the Professional Association of Phlebologists 149 centres (Stand 4/2017)). The Date from the electronical questionnaires was anonymized and evaluated.

These data provide evidence about an increasing trend of endovenous treatment (endovenous laser therapy, endovenous radiofrequency therapy, foam sclerotherapy, etc.) of varicosis in the last two decades. The numbers of classic surgical therapy have dropped significantly in the last 20 years.

Key words

Varicose veins - endovenous laser treatment - radiofrequency ablation saphenectomy - crossectomy

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