N Kemp has published an article called A synopsis of current internation guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins in the Aust Fam Physician. 2017;46(4):229-233.
The author states that the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence released new guidelines in 2013 recommending that endovenous thermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy should be offered before conventional surgery for treat-ment of varicose veins and saphenous vein reflux.
Vein specialists across the globe have followed such recommendations based on published literature advocating the potential benefits of endovenous therapies along with reduced morbidity and quicker return to daily activity.
The aim of this publication, according to the author (N Kemp) was to "provide a synopsis of current international guidelines and recent advances for the treatment of varicose veins".
It is worthwhile to read the article as the author reiterates for family care physicians a historical perspective for the treatment of venous insufficiency including classical high ligation and stripping of the saphenous vein which required general anesthesia to the minimally invasive modalities of endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.
The author concludes that "these changes in technique have been supported by recently published international guidelines".
Dr. Karamanoukian's note: U.S. guidelines also favor endovenous thermal ablation when possible and where such technology is available.