Objective: To investigate the effects of primary preventive treatment under endoscope for esophageal and gastric varices on bleeding rate and its relevant factors. Methods: 127 cases with liver cirrhosis accompanied with esophageal and gastric varices without bleeding history were included in the endoscopic and non-endoscopic treatment group, respectively. Informed consent was obtained from both groups. Gastric varices (Lgf) and esophageal varices (Leg) were diagnosed according to LDRf classification criteria, and the corresponding treatment scheme was selected according to the recommended principle of this method.The incidence rate of bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices were observed at 3, 6 months, and 1, and 2 years in the treated and the untreated group, and the patients with different Child-Pugh scores were followed-up for 2 years. Gender, age, etiology, varicose degree, Child-Pugh grade, platelet count, prothrombin activity, portal vein thrombosis, collateral circulation, portal vein width and other factors affecting the bleeding rate were assessed. Measurement data were described as mean ± standard deviation (x¯±s), and qualitative data of categorical variables were expressed as percentage (%), and χ² test was used. Results: 127 cases were followed up for 2 years. There were 55 cases in the endoscopic treatment group (18 cases underwent band ligation, 2 cases underwent band ligation combined with tissue adhesive embolization, 28 cases underwent sclerotherapy, and 7 cases underwent sclerotherapy combined with tissue adhesive embolization). Recurrent bleeding and hemorrhage was occurred in 5 (9.1%) and 28 cases (38.9%), respectively (P<0.05). In addition, there were 72 cases in the untreated group (P<0.05). Severe varicose veins proportions in treated and untreated group were 91.1% and 85.1%, respectively (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in liver cirrhosis-related medication and β-blocker therapy between the treated and untreated group (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the bleeding rate between the different treated groups (P>0.05). The bleeding rates at 3, 6 months, 1, and 2 years in endoscopic treated and untreated group were 2.00% vs. 2.59% (P>0.05), 2.30% vs. 5.88% (P>0.05), 3.10% vs. 7.55% (P>0.05) and 4.00% vs. 21.62% (P<0.05), respectively. All patients with Child-Pugh grade A, B and C in the treated and the untreated group were followed-up for 2 years, and the bleeding rates were 1.8% vs. 8.1% (P<0.05), 1.1% vs. 9.4% (P<0.05) and 9.1% vs. 10.1% (P>0.05), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the rupture and bleeding of esophageal and gastric varices, varices degree, Child-Pugh grade and presence or absence of thrombosis formation in portal vein (P<0.05); however, no statistically significant differences in gender, age, etiology, platelet count, prothrombin activity, collateral circulation and portal vein width (P>0.05). There was no intraoperative bleeding and postoperative related serious complications in the treated group. Conclusion: The risk of initial episodes of bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices is significantly correlated with the varices degree, Child-Pugh grade, and portal vein thrombosis. Primary preventive treatment under endoscope is safe and effective for reducing the long-term variceal bleeding risk from esophageal and gastric varices.
Endoscopes ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices/complications* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/surgery* ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal/complications* ; Ligation ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Prothrombin ; Sclerotherapy ; Tissue Adhesives ; Varicose Veins ; Venous Thrombosis/complications*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the technical details and short-term effects of radiofrequency obliteration of varicose veins of lower extremities guided by combined venography and ultrasound. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with varicose veins of lower extremities were treated with radiofrequency obliteration using Olympus Celon RFiTT^® under combined guidance of venography and ultrasound. The indications included varicose veins of lower extremities and reflux of the great saphenous vein confirmed by ultrasound. The contraindications included deep vein thrombosis, cardiac pacemaker, severe cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases or coagulation disorders. Under ultrasound guidance, the saphenous vein around knee level was punctured using a 21G needle, and a 7F sheath was introduced. Through the sheath a venography was made, and an Olympus Celon ProCurve radiofrequency catheter was inserted and advanced to the great saphenous vein under road map, and the catheter tip was positioned at the point 2 cm below the sapheno-femoral junction. The swelling anesthesia was made under ultrasound guidance. Then the radiofrequency obliteration was performed with pressing of the treatment section. The venography was repeated to ensure optimal outcomes. If necessary the radiofrequency obliteration could be repeated once to twice. After that the superficial varicose veins were stripping by small incisions under local anesthesia. After operation, medical decompression stocking was utilized immediately and sustained for three months. The clinical data, intraoperative radiation dose, exposure time and short-term effects were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: After the operation, all the patients walked out of the operating room by themselves. The success rate of operation was 100%. The intraoperative radiation dose was 1.78-10.12 mGy (mean 6.56 mGy), and the exposure time was 61-448 s (mean 161 s). By 3 months follow-up, the symptoms were alleviated in all the 37 patients, and the occlusion rate was 100%. No complications such as skin burns, ecchymosis and deep venous thrombosis were found. CONCLUSION The short-term effects of radiofrequency obliteration using Olympus Celon RFiTT^® system in a manner of twice fixed point followed by once reciprocating radiofrequency were satisfactory. Radiofrequency obliteration of great saphenous veins guided by venography and ultrasound has not only the advantages of minimal trauma and rapid recovery, but also the advantages of accurate location, exact effect and avoidance of complications.
Catheter Ablation ; Humans ; Lower Extremity/diagnostic imaging* ; Phlebography ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography ; Varicose Veins/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of integrated minimally invasive surgery for iliac vein compression syndrome with varicose veins of lower extremities. METHODS: From January 2017 to January 2018, 11 patients with iliac vein compression syndrome accompanied by varicose veins of lower extremities underwent left iliac vein stent implantation and radiofrequency thermal ablation of lower extremity veins in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The left iliac vein stent was implanted through the puncture point approach of the main great saphenous vein, and then radiofrequency thermal ablation of the main saphenous vein was performed. Rivaroxaban and aspirin were administered from the day of surgery for 6 months and 12 months, respectively. After discharge, patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The lower extremity veins, iliac veins were reexamined by Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography at 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The operations were successfully performed in 11 patients, and no complication was observed during the operation. The rates of soreness and swelling remission, pigmentation and skin quality improvement, and the iliac vein stent patency were 100%. No varicose vein recurrence, iliofemoral vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were found. CONCLUSIONS Integrated minimally invasive surgery is safe, effective and less invasive for iliac vein compression syndrome with varicose veins of lower extremities.
Humans ; Lower Extremity ; surgery ; May-Thurner Syndrome ; complications ; surgery ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; standards ; Radiofrequency Ablation ; Saphenous Vein ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; complications ; surgery

To compare the effect of cold or room temperature of tumescence anesthesia solution on pain perception during and after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins of lower limb.
 Methods: A total of 51 patients with lower extremity varicose vein were treated by EVLA with tumescence anesthesia solution. All patients were used for local anesthesia and randomly divided into 2 groups according to the temperature of tumescence anesthesia solution: Group A (n=26) with room temperature (24 ℃) of tumescence anesthesia solution and Group B (n=25) with cold (4 ℃) tumescence anesthesia solution. Number rating scale (NRS) was recorded immediately after the procedure and postoperative 1, 2, 3 day. Patients were asked to register pain scores during the week.
 Results: The mean linear endovenous energy density (LEED) in the 2 groups was not significantly different (P>0.05). The ratio of patients without pain during the operation in the Group A was lower than that in the Group B (30.8% vs 64%, P<0.05). On the day of operation and postoperative day 1, 2, 3, the average number rating scale (NRS) scores in the Group A were greater than those in the Group B (P<0.05). Postoperative day 1, only 30.8% of the patients in the Group A resumed daily activities, which was lower than that (68% of the patients) in the Group B.
 Conclusion: In the process of EVLA for varicose veins of lower limb, there is less pain during operation and post-operation using cold tumescence anesthesia solution comparing room temperature tumescence anesthesia solution.
Anesthesia ; methods ; Cold Temperature ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; physiopathology ; Laser Therapy ; Lower Extremity ; Pain Measurement ; Pain Perception ; physiology ; Pain, Postoperative ; physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) and liquid sclerotherapy (ELS) using a microcatheter for the treatment of varicose tributaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to January 2009, patients with venous reflux in the saphenous vein were enrolled. The foam or liquid sclerosant was injected through a microcatheter just before endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Patients were evaluated for the technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related complications during the procedure and follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 94 limbs were included: 48 limbs (great saphenous vein [GSV], 35; small saphenous vein [SSV], 13) were managed using EFS and EVLA (foam group; FG), and 46 limbs (GSV, 37; SSV, 9) were treated by ELS and EVLA (liquid group; LG). Varicose tributaries demonstrated complete sclerosis in 92.7% with FG and in 71.8% with LG (p = 0.014). Bruising (78.7% in FG vs. 73.2% in LG, p > 0.05), pain or tenderness (75.6% in FG vs. 51.2% in LG, p = 0.0237) were noted. Hyperpigmentation (51.2% in FG vs. 46.2% in LG, p > 0.05) was found. CONCLUSION: Endovenous foam sclerotherapy using a microcatheter is more effective than ELS for eliminating remnant varicose tributaries prior to EVLA. However, EFS is more commonly associated with local complications such as pain or tenderness than ELS. Furthermore, both techniques seem to prolong the duration of hyperpigmentation along with higher costs.
Catheters/adverse effects ; Femoral Vein ; Fluoroscopy/methods ; Humans ; Laser Therapy/methods ; Radiography, Interventional/methods ; *Saphenous Vein/radiography/surgery ; Sclerosing Solutions/*administration & dosage/chemistry ; Sclerotherapy/adverse effects/instrumentation/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins/radiography/*therapy ; Venous Insufficiency/surgery

BACKGROUNDEndovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is an improved method to treat varicose great saphenous veins (GSV) with a high satisfactory rate. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of treatment by EVLA procedures with ultrasound-guided perivenous tumescence.

METHODSThirty-one patients (31 limbs) with symptomatic varicose vein primary to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) treated with EVLA were prospectively studied. The entire procedure was performed under ultrasound-guided tumescent local anesthesia. The patients were evaluated with a 18 month follow-up postoperation using clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasonography. Pain scores and quality of life (QOL) were recorded using visual analog scale (VAS) and the chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire (CIVIQ) at 1 week, 1 month, and 12 months after operation.

RESULTSAll patients tolerated EVLA procedure well. The overall success occlusion rates of GSV were 92%, 94%, and 94% at 1, 12, and 18 months follow-up, respectively. The score of CIVIQ one week preoperation was 69.14 ± 11.44 while that of CIVIQ one month postoperation was 85.32 ± 4.89. The life quality has significantly improved after the operation of EVLA (t = 12.71, P < 0.05). The VAS one month after treatment was lower than 1 week before therapy (t = 8.048, P < 0.05). Major complications such as deep vein thrombosis and skin burns were not found. Most of the complications were minor and improved quickly.

CONCLUSIONSThis refinement type of EVLA procedure is a safe and effective treatment with a high satisfaction rate; it displayed noteworthy features including shortening hospitalization, early ambulant activity, and preferable occlusion rates.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography ; Varicose Veins ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

BACKGROUNDConventional high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has a good curative effect but is highly traumatic with a considerable relapse rate. Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) plus endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) could be applied as individual therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of performing combined SEPS and EVLT without impacting GSV in the management of valvular insufficiency of the lower-limb venous perforators.

METHODSPlacement of lower-limb venous perforator insufficiency was marked by ascending phlebography in 83 affected limbs from September 2010 to June 2011. After randomization, SEPS was performed on 41 limbs to address the insufficiency of the venous perforators under the deep fascia, in combination with EVLT to close the superficial varicose veins without impacting the GSV. The remaining 42 limbs were treated using traditional GSV phlebectomy as controls.

RESULTSPostoperatively, all varicose veins were resolved, with lightening of the pigmentation and healing of the ulcer. Within a follow-up period of 5 - 11 months, no symptoms had recurred. Compared with the control group, the operation time, the number of incisions sutured, and the in-hospital time decreased on average by 1.5 hours, 4.7, and 6.8 days, respectively (P < 0.01 in all cases).

CONCLUSIONCombined SEPS and EVLT for treatment of valvular insufficiency of the lower-limb venous perforators offer the advantages of microtrauma and rapid cure.

Adult ; Aged ; Endovascular Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Saphenous Vein ; surgery ; Varicose Ulcer ; surgery ; Varicose Veins ; surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; methods

Aged ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Fibrosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Gallstones ; complications ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Somatostatin ; therapeutic use ; Varicose Veins ; drug therapy ; pathology ; surgery ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the surgical technique of skeletonization of the great saphenous vein (GSV) at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) in surgical intervention of primary varicosity and evaluate the outcomes one year after the operation.

METHODSA total of 624 cases (774 limbs) of primary varicosity of the GSV were prospectively divided into skeletonization group (265 cases, 325 limbs) and control group (359 cases, 449 limbs). In the skeletonization group, skeletonization of the GSV at the SFJ, its branches and other aberrantly joined superficial veins was performed, and in the control group, routine high ligation of the GSV was performed, after which laser-ablation of the GSV, GSV stripping, Muller's operation, mutilation of the perforators and ulcer-related operations were performed in both groups.

RESULTSTwenty cases in the skeletonization group were found to have superficial veins directly joining into the femoral vein or into the GSV in different tissue layers. In 14 cases in the control group, the superficial veins of the internal femoris or lateral femoris were mistaken for the GSV. No difference was found in the operating time between the two groups (t=0.68, P>0.05), but the skeletonization group had a significantly less bleeding volume (t=1.75, P<0.05). Statistical differences were found between the two groups in intraoperative bleeding rate in the inguinal regions, venous clinical severity scores (2.1∓0.5 vs 4.6∓0.9, t=1.96, P<0.05), and residual varicosity and recurrences (3/325 vs 13/449, V=1.25, P<0.05) at the one year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSkeletonization of the GSV and its branches and other aberrantly joined superficial veins at the SFJ can decrease the postoperative residual varicosity and recurrence due to blood reflux.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Groin ; blood supply ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the causes and therapies for the complications induced by endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) in patients with varicose vein of lower limbs.

METHODSFrom December 2003 to October 2009, 283 cases (totally 361 lower limbs) treated by the endovenous laser treatment or combined with other treatment were analyzed retrospectively. There were 108 male and 175 female patients, with a mean age of 52 years (ranging from 17 to 83 years). The varicose vein occurred in left limb for 112 cases, right limbs for 93 cases and both limbs for 78 cases.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for average 18 months, during which 142 limbs showed skin bruises and/or hematoma, 47 limbs showed skin burns, 7 limbs showed phlebitis; all of these cases were cured. In addition 91 limbs appeared abnormal skin sensation, 87 of them were recovered and 4 improved. Two limbs were found with deep vein thrombosis in this series, after treatment one case was obviously improved and other was alleviated.

CONCLUSIONSEVLT is a effective therapy for varicose vein of lower limbs. But it may lead to some complications without right manipulations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Lower Extremity ; blood supply ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; surgery ; Young Adult