Recent research demonstrates the effectiveness of one-stop endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedures for patients suffering from varicose veins (VVs) and iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS). Conducted by experts from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, this study highlights the clinical advantages of performing these interventions concurrently.
The study included 424 patients who underwent varying procedures between June 2017 and June 2020, with some receiving one-stop stent angioplasty (SA) combined with EVLA and others undergoing two-staged surgeries. Findings reveal significant improvements over short-term follow-up, particularly within the one-stop procedure cohort.
Varicose veins, caused by weakened veins, lead to discomfort, swelling, and other health issues, substantially impacting patients' quality of life. EVLA has emerged as the first-line treatment due to its minimally invasive nature and good safety profile, outperforming traditional methods. Conversely, IVCS, often arising from anatomical abnormalities, can exacerbate symptoms like leg swelling and ulceration.
The data collected indicated lower rates of complications, including recurrent varicose veins, for those who participated in the one-stop procedure. Specifically, the incidence of iliac vein stenosis decreased significantly, providing strong evidence for the effectiveness of this approach. At 12 months after intervention, the one-stop SA group exhibited notable improvement on the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) compared to their two-staged counterparts.
"Our findings suggest the one-stop procedure not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances the quality of life for patients," stated the authors of the article. This statement reflects the growing consensus among medical professionals advocating for streamlined, efficient treatment strategies.
Each patient's quality of life was assessed using both the VCSS and the Villalta scale, tools frequently employed to evaluate chronic venous diseases. Results showed significant improvement post-procedure for the one-stop groups, indicating reduced discomfort and greater symptomatic relief.
Despite these promising results, the study acknowledges some limitations, including the relatively short follow-up duration. It calls for more extensive future work to corroborate the long-term effects of the one-stop approach and to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different procedural techniques.
Overall, this research advocates for the one-stop EVLA and stenting strategy as a superior treatment option for varicose veins and iliac vein compression, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of multimodal inpatient care pathways. With evidence supporting its efficacy, medical professionals might reconsider standard practices concerning these common venous conditions.