Chronic Venous Disease Treated with Endovenous Microwave Ablation: Long-Terms Results and Quality of Life
Somboon Subwongcharoen MD*, Seksan Chitwiset MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Surgery, Department of Radiology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Microwave ablation is considered to be safe for treatment in chronic venous disease patients, but data is
lacking about its long-terms results. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation.
Material and Method: From January 2009-June 2012, 100 patients underwent endovenous microwave ablation. Demo-
graphic data, post-operative complication, and CIVIQ-2 questionnaire scores were recorded. Microwave energy was set at
50-65 watts and the pull back speed was 3 cm/minute.
Results : C2 was a common finding, (59.6%). Mean follow-up time was 25.2 months and the most immediate complication
was numbness (32.1%) with permanent numbness at 3.8%. Quality of life as determined by CIVIQ-2 score changed from 32
before operation to 24 after operation (p<0.001). Complete venous occlusion rate was 79.8% and the rate of partial venous
occlusion with no venous reflux was 8.7%.
Conclusion : Endovenous microwave ablation can be used safely. It could be an alternative treatment for patients with
chronic venous disease.
Keywords : CEAP, Ablation, Microwave, CIVIQ-2, Venous insufficiency, Varicose veins
