Radiofrequency Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein versus Conventional Surgery in Treatment of Venous Ulcers

Abstract

hronic venous disease (CVD) is the most common venous disorder. It is caused by venous hypertension due to either reflux, outflow obstruction or both. Varicose veins are one of the causes of Chronic venous disease (CVD) which defined as permanently swollen, tortuous and elongated while standing due to back flow of blood caused by incompetent valve closure which result in venous congestion. The main symptoms are tingling, itching, pain, fatigue, a heavy feeling in the legs especially if one has to stand for a long time. Ulcers and thrombophlebitis are possible complications. The frequency of more severe chronic venous signs like eczema, pigmentation or venous ulceration reaches a prevalence of about 3% in men and women. Venous ulcer, also known as stasis ulcer, is the most common aetiology of lower extremity ulceration. Venous ulcers are often recurrent. Open ulcers can persist from weeks to many years. Although the overall prevalence is relatively low, the refractory nature of these ulcers increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, and have a significant impact on patient quality of life. Conventional treatment of the incompetent great saphenous vein with high ligation and stripping, combined with local phlebectomies was the treatment of choice for long time. The operation of flush ligation