RCT - Does Treating Incompetent Perforators Reduce Recurrence?

Randomised Controlled Study to Determine Whether Treating Incompetent Perforating Veins at the Time of Endothermal Varicose Vein Surgery for Truncal Reflux Reduces Recurrence After Varicose Vein Treatments.

The aim of this randomised case-controlled trial is to investigate whether ablation of incompetent perforating vein in addition to ablation of truncal vein reduces the rate of recurrent varicose veins post-treatment compared with patients who only have ablation of the truncal vein, who are left with untreated incompetent perforating veins.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary varicose veins caused by great saphenous vein reflux
• At least one incompetent perforating vein refluxing into the varicosities
• Over 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Reflux from pelvic vein origin or small saphenous vein
• Previous varicose vein surgery,
• Incompetent perforators remote from the varicosities treated,
• Deep vein incompetence
• Deep vein obstruction or occlusion