Regional Anesthesia and Recovery After Varicose Vein RFA

The Effects of Regional Anesthesia Methods on the Quality of Recovery in Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins

This prospective observational study aims to compare the effects of spinal anesthesia and supra-inguinal fascia iliac block (SIFIB) on the quality of postoperative recovery in endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of varicose veins. The primary outcome measure of the study is the QoR-40 quality of recovery score. Secondary outcome measures include postoperative pain scores (VAS/NRS), motor block level (Bromage Scale), perfusion index (PI), time to first mobilization, and patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age Profile: Adults aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Physical Status: Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I, II, or III.
• Informed Consent: Patients who voluntarily agreed to participate and provided written informed consent.
• Cognitive Status: Patients who were conscious, oriented, and capable of cooperating with the pain assessment scales (NRS) and the QoR-40 questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Venous Pathology: Presence of deep venous insufficiency (e.g., iliac or femoral vein obstruction, iliac vein stenosis) or acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremity.
• Systemic Diseases: Combined cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal dysfunction.
• Hematological Disorders: Coagulation disorders or active bleeding diathesis.
• Neurological/Cognitive Status: Presence of dementia, cognitive impairment, or inability to cooperate during the procedure.
• Local Contraindications: Active infection at the site of the regional anesthesia intervention or surgical field.
• Patient Refusal: Patients who declined regional anesthesia or had a known allergy to local anesthetics.