Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser ablation combined with stripping for varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients (176 affected limbs) with GSV varicosities, who underwent thigh GSV stripping plus calf GSV endovenous laser ablation from April 2006 to March 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The operation results were satisfactory in all patients, and the symptom improvement rate was 100% without wound infection or deep venous thrombosis. The short-term complications included pretibial bruising and/or hematoma (12 limbs, 6.8%), strip skin burns (2 limbs, 1.1%), superficial periphlebitis (12 limbs, 6.8%), and ankle edema (2 limbs, 1.1%). No paresthesia or long-term complications were noted, and no recurrent varicose veins occurred during the 3-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Endovenous laser ablation combined with vein stripping has demonstrable efficacy and fewer complications in treatment of GSV varicosities, and is a safe, reliable, and mini-invasive procedure.