Cost analysis of endovenous catheter ablation versus surgical stripping for treatment of superficial venous insufficiency and varicose vein disease.

Background: Due to its clinical efficacy and faster recovery, endovenous catheter ablation has become the treatment of choice over surgical intervention for patients with varicose veins secondary to saphenous vein reflux.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of costs was performed on patients undergoing vein stripping, endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), and phlebectomy of varicosities at a community hospital and a tertiary care hospital in southeastern Michigan.

Results: In 2010 to 2011, higher costs resulted in a net loss per case for vein stripping, RFA, and phlebectomy procedures performed in the operating room for the community hospital.