Science & Healthcare

The study of approaches to the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities is an important task that allows assessing the immediate and long-term results of the operation, determining the probability of complications or recurrence of the disease, as well as personalizing treatment and improving the prophylaxis of the disease. Despite the fact that at present there is a significant amount of literature data on studies devoted to the treatment of varicose disease of lower extremities, both with the use of traditional phlebectomy, and with the use of modern minimally invasive surgical interventions (endovenous thermal ablation, ultrasound controlled foam sclerotherapy), the authors' views on approaches to the treatment of this category of patients remain controversial.

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze research data on the types of surgical treatment of varicose veins of lower limbs, to determine its effectiveness and the probability of relapse of the disease.

Materials and methods. The study included full text publications in English and Russian on the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities, over the past 15 years as well as publications with fundamental statements.

Results. As a result of the search, 576 sources were identified in the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, e-Library. After the screening 54 full-text scientific works were selected and included in the study.

Conclusions. The main types of surgical treatment of varicose veins are traditional phlebectomy (TF), endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGST). Despite the availability of many techniques in the surgery of varicose veins of lower extremities, the specialists still do not have consistency and unified tactics. Works devoted to the hybrid treatment of varicose veins focus more on the combination of only two techniques while the range of the modern phlebology’s capabilities are much broader as well as the technology develops every day. Most importantly, the role of hybrid treatment in the planning and prevention of recurrence of the disease is not defined. In our opinion, the study of traditional methods should be continued and new approaches in the treatment of varicose veins should be developed. Particular attention should be given to the use of hybrid treatment as well as to the comparison of results of traditional types of operations.