Endoluminal thermal ablation versus stripping of the saphenous vein: Meta-analysis of recurrence of reflux.

Background: Catheter-based minimally invasive techniques developed to treat saphenous vein insufficiency include endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation. Their long-term results are under evaluation. A meta-analysis of trials was performed, comparing endovenous versus surgical saphenous vein ablation with focus on long-term (greater than 365 days) outcomes of recurrence of varicosities, reflux and symptomatic disease.