A Study of Patient Satisfaction Following Endothermal Ablation for Varicose Veins

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction following endothermal ablation for varicose veins (VVs). Methods: A 12-question survey was sent to consecutive patients treated with endothermal ablation—questions related to preprocedure symptoms, recurrence, further treatments, and patient satisfaction. Results: Questionnaires sent a median 12 (range 6-22) months postintervention were returned by 177 (60.0%) of 295 patients; 63 (35.6%) of 177 received treatment for recurrent VVs. Preintervention symptoms included aching (141 [79.7%] of 177), swelling (86 [48.6%] of 177), and heaviness (72 [40.7%] of 177). Improvements in preoperative symptoms were reported by 82.5% (146 of 177). Postintervention recurrence was reported by 87 (49.4%) of 177; 61 (70.1%) of 87 reported a few recurrent varicosities only. Further treatment was required by 11 (6.2%) of 177; 79 (44.6%) of 177 of patients reported no complications. The majority (151 [85.8%] of 176) were satisfied with their treatment. In all, 16 (25.4%) of 62 of patients treated for recurrent VVs were dissatisfied versus 9 (7.9%) of 114 of those with primary VVs (P = .0026). Conclusions: The majority of patients are satisfied with results following endothermal ablation. Dissatisfaction may be more likely following treatment for recurrent VVs.

Keywords

patient satisfaction varicose veins recurrent varicose veins radiofrequency ablation endovenous laser therapy

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