Background: Endovascular Laser Ablation (EVLA) is performed by placing the selected ablation device into the saphenous vein, usually by ultrasound guidance. The ablative device causes endovascular heating, which damages the venous endothelium leading to fibrosis and thrombosis. Benefits of endovascular treatment over surgery include: not needing to make an incision at the thigh and ankle; shorter hospital stays; quicker return to work times; less post procedure pain; and similar long-term efficacy rates as surgery. Present study was planned to assess endovascular laser ablation of varicose veins in a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in patients with varicose veins caused by Saphenofemoral Junction (SFJ) incompetence with Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) reflux and/or saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) incompetence or perforator incompetence as demonstrated by color Doppler.

Results: Present study was conducted in 58 patients diagnosed with varicose veins. Male: female ratio was 2:1. From 58 patients, total 83 limbs were operated. Apart from routine indication other cases were- Venous ulcers (13%), bleeding varicose veins (2%), recurrent varicose veins following surgery (4%) & cosmetic purpose (7%). At 1 month follow-up all patients were examined to rule out any complication. We noted paraesthesia (5.1%), hyperpigmentation (2%), phlebitis (1%) & haemorrhage (1%) as minor complications. At the end of 6 month, success rate of 93%. Failure was noted in 4 patients; though it was partial they were later treated at same center only.

Conclusion: Patients after treatment with Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) have better recovery with significantly lower post treatment pain, faster return to routine activities.