Laser or Medical Glue for Varicose Vein Treatment? Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş Evaluates Patient Comfort

Dear readers,

I am Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş, a Specialist in Interventional Radiology. Varicose veins are a common health issue that can significantly impact quality of life. Fortunately, we now have numerous modern and minimally invasive methods to treat this condition. In this article, I will address a question frequently posed by our patients: "Which is better for varicose vein treatment – laser or medical glue?" Let's compare these two popular methods, focusing particularly on patient comfort.

Modern Approaches to Varicose Vein Treatment

Thanks to advancing technology, varicose vein treatment no longer requires surgical operations. Instead, we utilise methods that offer significantly more comfort and quicker recovery. Laser ablation (EVLA) and medical glue treatment are at the forefront of these minimally invasive approaches.

1. Laser Ablation (EVLA) Treatment

Laser ablation is a method performed by inserting a very thin laser fibre into the affected varicose vein. The laser energy creates controlled heat damage to the vein wall, causing the vein to close and eventually be absorbed by the body.

• How Is It Performed? The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthesia. A numbing and vasoconstrictive fluid, known as 'tumescent anaesthesia,' is injected around the vein. This prevents pain and also protects surrounding tissues from the laser energy.
• Patient Comfort:
  • No pain is felt during the procedure.
  • Mild pain, tenderness, or bruising may be observed after the procedure. This can usually be managed with painkillers.
  • Compression stockings are generally recommended for 1-3 weeks. This aids in complete vein closure and reduces bruising/swelling.
  • While a swift return to daily activities is possible, there might be slight restrictions for the first few days.

2. Medical Glue Treatment

Venous medical glue treatment is based on the principle of applying a special medical adhesive (cyanoacrylate) into the varicose vein via a catheter. This adhesive causes the inner walls of the vein to stick together, leading to its closure and rendering it non-functional.

• How Is It Performed? One of the biggest advantages of medical glue treatment is that local anaesthesia is typically applied only to the access point. Unlike laser treatment, numerous injections of tumescent anaesthesia around the vein are not required.
• Patient Comfort:
  • Virtually no pain is felt during or after the procedure.
  • As tumescent anaesthesia is not required, the risk of bruising after the procedure is significantly lower, and often doesn't occur at all.
  • The most significant comfort factor: In most cases, there's no need to wear compression stockings after the procedure! This offers considerable convenience for our patients.
  • Patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure, and can even start walking.
  • The recovery process is remarkably fast and trouble-free.

Comparing Patient Comfort: Laser or Medical Glue?

To summarise the two methods based on patient comfort:

• Anaesthesia Requirement: Medical glue treatment requires significantly less local anaesthesia than laser ablation (only at the access point). Laser ablation involves numerous tumescent anaesthesia injections around the vein.
• Post-Procedure Pain/Bruising: With medical glue treatment, post-procedure pain and bruising are minimal to non-existent, whereas mild pain and bruising can occur after laser ablation.
• Compression Stockings: Medical glue treatment generally does not require the use of compression stockings. For laser ablation, their use is recommended for several weeks.
• Return to Daily Activities: While both methods allow for a quick return, with medical glue treatment, almost all activities (running, travelling, etc.) can be resumed immediately without restrictions.

So, Which Method Is Better?

The answer to this question varies depending on each patient's individual circumstances. Both methods are highly successful and reliable options for varicose vein treatment. Factors such as vein structure, diameter, the patient's general health, lifestyle, and expectations determine which method will be more suitable for you.

For instance, medical glue treatment might be far more appealing to patients who have a fear of injections or prefer not to wear compression stockings. The anatomical structure of the vein may, in some cases, make laser treatment more appropriate. Therefore, a detailed consultation and examination with a specialist physician are essential to determine the correct treatment method.

At our clinic in Antalya, we are proud to offer our varicose vein patients the latest and most personalised treatment options. With our extensive experience in both laser ablation and medical glue treatment, we are always here to help you determine the most comfortable and effective solution for your needs.

For all our minimally invasive treatment options in Interventional Radiology, please visit the Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş website.