Radiofrequency and laser ablation for chronic venous insufficiency: A single-centre, retrospective study at a multispeciality, private hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background

Chronic venous disease can be defined as any long-term morphological or functional abnormality of the venous system manifest­ed by symptoms or signs indicating the need for care. There are limited data from sub-Saharan Africa regarding the management of this condition with venous ablation. This is an early report of the experience of a single centre with a relatively new technique.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation for venous insufficiency between February 2016 and December 2020. Patients were selected based on symptoms; the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification system; and duplex ultrasonographic findings of reflux at the saphenopopliteal junction and saphenofemoral junc­tion. Most procedures were day cases performed under spinal anaesthesia.

Results

There were 139 patients who underwent treatment. Of these, 27% were men, and 73% were women. The majority of patients, 54%, were classified as CEAP C3, with CEAP C5 accounting for the smallest proportion at 7%. Most patients (89%) underwent successful bilateral greater saphenous vein thermal ablation, and 53% underwent bilateral greater and lesser saphenous vein thermal ablation.

Conclusions

Venous ablation therapy is a safe, efficacious, day procedure associated with rapid recovery.