Early Results of Cryosurgery in Varicose Veins in Korea: Safety and Feasibility

Abstract

BackgroundCryosurgery was recently introduced as a treatment for varicose veins in the lower extremities. Cryosurgery with freezing probes can be used to remove the great saphenous vein (GSV) via an inguinal incision alone. The aim of this study was to assess early outcomes and the feasibility of cryosurgery for varicose veins.Materials and MethodsForty patients were enrolled in the present study from March 2009 to July 2010. All patients underwent careful physical examinations, and their GSV reflux was demonstrated by duplex ultrasonography. Clinical severity was measured according to the clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) classification. The impaired GSVs were removed with rigid cryoprobes after freezing. Patients had follow-up appointments at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Sclerotherapy was performed during follow-up on an outpatient basis as needed.ResultsA total of 19 men and 21 women were enrolled. The mean follow-up duration was 3.4 months (range, 1 to 12 months). The clinical severity ranged from CEAP 2 to CEAP 6a. Thirty-eight patients underwent concomitant phlebectomy during surgery. No recurrences were reported during follow-up. There were three cases of minor complications. Two patients had paresthesia, and one had thrombophlebitis.ConclusionUsing cryosurgery techniques to treat varicose veins, the complication rates were minimal and outcomes were comparable to those of previous reports. This procedure is a safe and feasible treatment modality for varicose veins.

Cryostripping—A Safe and Efficient Alternative Procedure in Chronic Venous Disease Treatment

“…Analysing the duration of the procedure, our results are comparable to those of other studies [ 6 , 16 ]. The procedure duration may vary regarding several aspects like the number of collateral veins which have to be treated, patient constitution (height, weight, body-mass index), and surgical team experience.…”

“…However, several complications have been noticed. According to literature, complications after this procedure may vary from postoperative pain, skin pigmentation, bruising, haematoma, lymphatic complications (lymphoedema), cellulitis, superficial thrombophlebitis, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, and cutaneous nerve damage with paraesthesia [ 6 , 16 , 17 ]. Postoperative pain and bruising are the major short-term side effects reported, and may appear after EVLT, as well [ 18 ].…”

Early experience of transilluminated cryosurgery for varicose vein with saphenofemoral reflux: review of 84 patients (131 limbs)

“…However, conventional stripping of GSV is not only time-consuming, but also requires multiple stab incisions. Furthermore, the conventional procedure may cause significant tissue trauma resulting in hematoma, and may lead to cutaneous nerve damage [ 9 ]. Although minimally invasive endovenous techniques have proved their efficacy and good cosmetic results, several studies provide evidence that conventional GSV stripping results in excellent long-term outcome and reduces recurrence [ 3 ].…”