Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Saphenous Veins: Bilateral Versus Unilateral Single-session Procedures

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of bilateral endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of saphenous veins in a single session with use of diluted lidocaine for tumescent anesthesia.

Materials and Methods

Among 122 consecutive EVLA procedures (112 patients; mean age, 49 years; 75% women) over a 12-month period, there were 75 unilateral procedures (n = 67) and 47 bilateral interventions (n = 45). Tumescent anesthesia consisted of lidocaine diluted to 0.10% for unilateral procedures versus 0.05% for bilateral cases (lidocaine dose <4.5 mg/kg body weight). Procedural data, immediate success rates on an intent-to-treat basis, and outcomes at 3–6-month follow-up were compared between groups with nonparametric tests.

Results

Bilateral procedures could be performed successfully with low lidocaine dilutions with a similar success rate (96%) as unilateral procedures (100%). No significant variation in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate was observed between bilateral and unilateral groups. No patient experienced signs of lidocaine toxicity. After adjusting for length of vein treated, there were no significant differences in the total lidocaine dose used, tumescent anesthesia volume, or procedure duration.

Conclusions

Bilateral saphenous vein ablation in a single session appears safe and effective when tumescent anesthesia is given with very dilute lidocaine (0.05%). This approach may help meet patients’ requests for simultaneous bilateral treatment and reduce duration of postprocedural discomfort.

Abbreviations: EVLA, endovenous laser ablation, GSV, great saphenous vein