Surgical management of varicose veins: meta-analysis.

Open surgery remains the gold standard by which endovascular treatment of superficial chronic venous insufficiency is measured. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reviews the current evidence base, comparing open and endovascular treatment of varicose veins. Systematic review of studies reporting duplex scan follow-up after open surgical, laser (endovenous laser therapy [EVLT]), or radiofrequency (VNUS Closure device, VNUS Medical Technologies, San Jose, CA) treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins was completed. Primary outcome measures were occlusion and complication rates and time taken to resume work. No significant difference in recurrence rates at 3 months between open surgery and EVLT (RR 2.19, 95% CI 0.99-4.85, p = .05) or VNUS device (RR 7.57; 95% CI 0.42-136.02) were found. Return to work is significantly faster following VNUS (by 8.24 days; 95% CI 10.50-5.97) or EVLT (by 5.02 days; 95% CI 6.52-3.52). Endovascular treatment of varicose veins is safe and effective and offers the significant advantage of rapid recovery.