The experience of hospital-replacing surgery for varicose veins in St Petersburg outpatient clinics

Introduction. Over the last 20 years the widespread introduction of ultrasound imaging into clinical practice and the emergence of new endovascular technologies in the treatment of varicose veins have brought about a paradigm shift in the surgical treatment and the introduction of innovative minimally invasive technologies (thermoobliteration, chemical obliteration, microphlebectomy), which can be performed on outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Therefore, the widespread introduction of these technologies into the outpatient practice is the foremost task.

Objective of the study. Analyse the results of the experience gained in the St Petersburg polyclinics concerning the introduction of hospital-replacing surgical treatment of varicose vein diseases and appropriate training. Materials and methods. We have performed 854 surgeries including endo-venous laser coagulation (EVLС), sclerobliteration (SO) and Varadi miniflebectomy (MF) under local infiltration anesthesia: EVLC + MF in 71%, MF in 12%, EVLC + SO in 9%, EVLC + MF + SО in 3%, EVLC in 3% and SО in 2% of cases. The patients operated on ranged in age from 19 to 78 years (53 ± 21 g), among them there were 611 women and 202 men. The clinical distribution of patients was in accordance with CEAP classification: C2 – 62%, C3 – 22%, C4a/b – 12%, C5 – 2.5%, C6 – 1.5%.

Results and discussion. The evaluation of treatment results based on a retrospective analysis of patients’ examination findings after 1, 39, 180 and 365 postoperative days has demonstrated that there is no evidence of intra- and postoperative complications requiring hospitalization, disease recurrence. However, ecchymosis in 35% of cases, limited superficial infiltrates - in 18%, limited superficial thrombophlebitis - in 0.8% have been reported after MF. They have been treated using topical agents. According to the questionnaire, after a year of treatment 96% of patients appear to be satisfied with the results obtained. After a year payback financial costs have been achieved. An effective practical training program has been developed and implemented for innovative technologies for surgery of varicose veins of lower extremities. 42 physicians of outpatient clinics underwent the program.

Conclusions. It can therefore be concluded that the further introduction of innovative technologies into the polyclinics is reasonably practicable as it is safe, effective, expands the population’s access to modern technologies, is economically feasible and is perceived positively by patients, reduces the burden on surgical hospitals, improves professional qualifications and expands the professional competencies of surgeons in outpatient settings.

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