Follow-up and data-collection
AASV, hyperpigmentation, nerve damage, SVT
PULMONARY EMBOLISM, SVT, HYPERPIGMENTATION, DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS, REFLUX, POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATION, WOUND INFECTION, POSTOPERATIVE BLEEDING
Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3 months, 9 months (SAP group only), and 12 months after the initial treatment. During these visits, patients underwent physical examination and the postoperative VCSS was determined. DUS was performed to evaluate the anatomical result at the level of the treated GSV or AASV trunk, including the presence or absence of refluxQuality of life was assessed at each follow-up visit, using the VEINES-QOL/Sym and EQ-5D™. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was also assessed, using a score from 0 (not satisfied at all) to 10 (most satisfied). An additional multiple-choice question addressed the perceived improvement after treatment; patients had to indicate whether they experienced no improvement at all, some improvement or major improvement. Postoperative complications were registered at 3 and 12 months (the latter only for patients in the SAP group who received additional treatment); postoperative bleeding, wound infection, nerve damage, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, SVT, skin burn, and hyperpigmentation were recorded. During the extra follow-up visit at 9 months for the SAP group, additional truncal ablation was considered when patients had persisting or recurrent symptoms and persisting reflux of the GSV/AASV. The extra visit was set at 9 months, to give the saphenous vein enough time to remodel after treatment of the tributary.