Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) obliteration in treatment of Chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremities(CVI) in comparison with ligation plus vein stripping. Materials and Methods: Forty patients were randomized into two groups: RF group with 20 that given endovenous RF obliteration of GSVs and phlebectomy of varicose vein, and control group with 20 that given traditional high ligation plus vein stripping. Outcomes were evaluated between two groups, including medical outcomes, procedure time, Study short form health survey (SF-36), pain scoring, hospitalization time, total charge and complications, etc.. Results: All patients in two groups employed the procedures successfully. In 1 year follow-up, the rate of complete disappearance ofvaricosity in both groups are equal. RF group showed significantly better than control group at procedure time, quality of life scoring, pain scoring, hospitalization time. But total charge of hospitalization in RF group was significantly higher than control group.Conclusion: Radiofrequency obliteration is an effective and safe method in treatment of Chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremities, especially improving quality of life comparing to traditional ligation plus vein stripping, but the cost of RF obliteration is expensive. |