Revolutionizing Varicose Vein Treatment: Trendelenburg Operation vs Radiofrequency Ablation in Saphenofemoral Incompetence

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Varicose veins are dilated; tortuous veins present in lower limbs. Its prevalence increases with age, affecting quality of life. Chronic venous insufficiency is caused due to venous valve incompetence. It can be congenital, primary or secondary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included symptomatic patients who underwent Trendelenburg operation or Radiofrequency ablation for lower limb varicose veins from November 2022 to January 2024. Venous Doppler was used to diagnose saphenofemoral incompetence, and CEAP classification was used to measure disease severity. Postoperative pain, complications, return to routine activity and cost were analyzed. Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis were omitted. RESULTS: The final analysis included 84 patients. 42 patients in each group. Patients who underwent Radiofrequency ablation had less immediate postoperative pain, lesser hospital stay and earlier return to routine activity. There was a significantly greater reduction in venous clinical severity score in patients who underwent Trendelenburg operation. CONCLUSION: Due to earlier return to routine activity and less immediate postoperative pain, endovenous procedures can be performed as daycare procedures.