Secondary thigh telangiectasias after endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the incidence of secondary telangiectasias (TAEs) after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and discuss the possible risk factors for its development.

Method

This prospective observational study enrolled 123 lower limbs of 103 patients with varicose veins of C2 or C4 clinical classes who underwent EVLA of the GSV trunk from the saphenofemoral junction to the below knee level without simultaneous removal of varicose tributaries and/or perforating veins. The primary outcome was the occurrence and amount of secondary TAEs (matting) that developed at the medial aspect of the thigh along the treated GSV within a 3-month follow-up. The assessment was made by analysis of before and after photos by three experienced surgeons using a four-point scale. Fleiss’ Kappa was used to measure the agreement between the assessors.

Results

Secondary TAE development was reported in 26 limbs (21.1%; 95% CI, 15.0-29.0%). Almost perfect agreement was observed between assessors for any matting (κ = 0.92; p < .0001) and different amounts of it (κ = 0.93, κ = 0.90, κ = 0.85, and κ = 1.00 for the score of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The most prevalent was a low amount of new TAEs (score of 1 in 17.9%). The only significant difference between the patients with and without secondary TAEs was age: 52.5 (IQR, 43-61) versus 40 (IQR, 34-53) years old.

Conclusions

In most cases (96,8%), secondary TAEs are either absent or could be found in a low amount. Older patients are more predisposed to its development.