Ambulatory varicosity avulsion later or synchronized (AVULS): a randomized clinical trial.

Lane, Tristan R A; Kelleher, Damian; Shepherd, Amanda C; Franklin, Ian J; Davies, Alun H

OBJECTIVE A randomized clinical trial assessing the difference in quality of life and clinical outcomes between delayed and simultaneous phlebectomies in the context of endovenous truncal vein ablation. BACKGROUND Endovenous ablation has replaced open surgery as the treatment of choice for truncal varicose veins. Timing of varicosity treatment is controversial with delayed and simultaneous pathways having studies advocating their benefits. A previous small randomized study has shown improved outcomes for simultaneous treatment. METHODS Patients undergoing local anesthetic endovenous thermal ablation were randomized to either simultaneous phlebectomy or delayed varicosity treatment. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year with clinical and quality of life scores completed, and were assessed at 6 weeks for need for further varicosity intervention, which was completed with either ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or local anesthetic phlebectomy. Duplex ultrasound assessment of the treated trunk was completed at 6 months. RESULTS 101 patients were successfully recruited and treated out of 221 suitable patients from a screened population of 393. Patients in the simultaneous group (n = 51) showed a significantly improved Venous Clinical Severity Score at all time points, 36% of the delayed group required further treatment compared with 2% of the simultaneous group (P < 0.001). There were no deep vein thromboses, with 1 superfificial venous thrombosis in each group. CONCLUSIONS Combined endovenous ablation and phlebectomy delivers improved clinical outcomes and a reduced need for further procedures, as well as early quality of life improvements.