ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEIN DISEASE
The literature review is devoted to the analysis of the treatment results of varicose vein disease using endovasal laser treatment (EVLT). The current data on EVLT effectiveness in the dependence on the wavelength, the energy used as well as the advantages and disadvantages compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sclerotherapy, phlebectomy are presented in the comparative aspect. The success of the EVLT composes 93-100%. When comparing the results of the laser application with different wavelength and energy, the incidence of severe complications (deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE)) makes up from 0,1 to 2,4%. In analyzing the literature no evidence of wavelength affection on the clinical outcome has been revealed. A number of authors have shown the correlation of the EVLT effectiveness and the power of laser energy. Comparison of the results of EVLT and RFA application showed that despite of better tolerability of RFA the long-term results are inferior to EVLT in the early postoperative period. However, confirmation of this phenomenon requires the further investigation. Comparison of the results of the EVLT and stem sclerotherapy application has also shown highly contradictory results, however, the short- and long-term results after EVLT are better than after the stem sclerotherapy. Despite on the effectiveness of EVLT and stripping of the great superficial veins, the patient’s quality of life and regression of clinical symptoms in the early postoperative period are better in EVLT but in the future the results are comparable. Thus, the literature review has shown the safety and high efficiency of EVLT of varicose veins as well as the need of further results investigation of the EVLT in clinical practice.