Research article summary (published 13 May 2009):

Endovenous laser ablation-induced complications: review of the literature and new cases.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, minimally invasive techniques have been introduced in the treatment of lower extremity varicosities. Of these therapies, endovenous laser ablation is the most widely accepted and used treatment option for insufficient great and short saphenous veins. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of reported common and rare and minor and major complications associated with endovenous laser ablation. METHODS: A systematic review of studies and case reports on endovenous laser ablation-induced complications. The complications were classified as minor or major according to the Society of Interventional Radiology Standards of Practice Committee guidelines on reporting complications. A case-series of complications after endovenous laser ablation is presented. RESULTS: Ecchymoses and pain are frequently reported side effects of endovenous laser ablation. Nerve injury, skin burns, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism seldom occur. An exceptional complication is a material or device that by accident remains inside the body after the procedure. Ecchymosis, pain, induration, skin burns, dysesthesia, superficial thrombophlebitis, and hematoma were classified as minor complications. Deep vein thrombosis and nerve injury were classified as major complications. CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser ablation may be considered a safe treatment of lower extremity varicosities. The incidence of common side effects may decrease with better laser parameters.

Author information

Author/s: Van Den Bos, Renate R (RR); Neumann, Martino (M); De Roos, Kees-Peter (KP); Nijsten, Tamar (T);

Affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 35 (issue 8) : pp 1206-14

Dates: Created 2009/08/17; Completed 2009/08/31;

PMID: 19469796, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 8/31/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Ecchymosis - etiology Humans Laser Therapy - adverse effects; methods Male Middle Aged

Middle Aged Pain - etiology Postoperative Complications Saphenous Vein - surgery Varicose Veins - surgery

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