Evaluation of early patient satisfaction with visual analogue scale in the treatment of isolated great saphenous vein insufficiency with n-butyl cyanoacrylate ablation

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the early results of n-butyl cyanoacrylate ablation (n-BSA) treatment and patient satisfaction using visual analogue scale (VAS) in the treatment of isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Method: Seventy-two patients with GSV diameter between 6-9 mm and a reflux time of >0.5 seconds in clinical grades of C1-C4 according to the Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders (CEAP) who were treated with n-BSA percutaneous endovenous embolization between January 2016 and July 2017 due to GSV insufficiency were enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative 1. and 6. month evaluations were made using VAS and venous color duplex ultrasonography (CDUS). All data were retrieved retrospectively from patient files, and then evaluated. Results: Preoperative, and postoperative 1. and 6. month-VAS scores were 6.05, 1.8 and 1.66 respectively. The difference between postoperative 1. and 6. month-VAS scores was not significant (p>0.05), but the differences between preoperative and postoperative 1. and 6. month scores were statistically significant (p<0.001). Venous CDUS performed at postoperative 1. and 6. months showed GSV closure rates of 97% and 95% respectively. Evaluation of early period outcomes of n-BSA embolization treatment performed for isolated GSV incompetence with regard to patient satisfaction using VAS, showed significant positive relationship in preoperative and early period postoperative period. Conclusion: VAS can be used as an effective method to evaluate early period patient satisfaction related to n-BSA method used for the treatment of isolated great saphenous vein treatment.