To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) vs. open ligation for treating incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) and to identify independent risk factors for IPV recanalization following UGFS.
Key Findings:
Group A had shorter operative time (56.27 min vs. 68.60 min, P < 0.05) and less intraoperative blood loss (4.18 mL vs. 8.85 mL, P < 0.05).
Immediate occlusion rates were 100% in both groups.
At 12 months, vein-level occlusion rate was higher in Group B (95.3%) compared to Group A (86.8%) (P = 0.034).
No significant differences in VCSS improvement or ulcer healing rates (P > 0.05).
Total complication rate was lower in Group A (10.2%) compared to Group B (22.9%), but not statistically significant (P = 0.092).
Independent risk factors for recanalization in Group A included perforator vein diameter >4.5 mm and BMI >27.2 kg/m2.
Interpretation:
UGFS showed a favorable safety and efficacy profile, supporting its role as a minimally invasive alternative for treating IPVs.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce selection bias.
Non-random allocation of treatment groups based on patient preference.
Conclusion:
Treatment strategies should be individualized based on patient-specific characteristics, such as vein diameter and BMI.
