Mini AbstractA randomised clinical trial comparing simultaneous endovenous ablation and phlebectomy with endovenous ablation and delayed phlebectomy successfully recruited and treated 101 patients. Combined endovenous ablation and phlebectomy delivers improved clinical outcomes and a reduced rate of need for further procedures, in addition to early Quality of Life improvements. MethodsPatients undergoing local anaesthetic endovenous thermal ablation were randomised to either simultaneous phlebectomy or delayed varicosity treatment. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year with clinical and quality of life scores completed, and were assessed at 6 weeks for need for further varicosity intervention, which was completed with either ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy or local anaesthetic phlebectomy. Duplex ultrasound assessment of the treated trunk was completed at 6 months. ConclusionCombined endovenous ablation and phlebectomy delivers improved clinical outcomes and a reduced need for further procedures, as well as early quality of life improvements.

High-level comparative data comparing posterior and medial repair for popliteal artery aneurysms are not available. Within the parameters of this review, however, superiority of the posterior approach for primary and secondary patency, aneurysm exclusion, and need for reoperation was noted. High-level evidence from randomized clinical trials is required to define the relative benefits of the posterior approach over the medial approach in selected patients.