Abstract
Objective. To study the change of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level and the incidence of recurrence of varicose veins after conventional phlebectomy and hybrid treatment. Materials and methods. Conventional phlebectomy was performed according to standard technique. Hybrid treatment consisted of combination of methods, including laser ablation, ultrasound guided foam form sclerotherapy (aethoxysklerol 1-3%), high degree of ligation (HL), total or partial stripping of saphenous vein. The treatment was personalized to every patient. This study included 134 patients, that were divided into two groups, depending on the method of treatment. Serum samples were collected from patients before operation and in 3-12 months after operation. Control group included 20 healthy persons. We analyzed mean concentration and change of the VEGF levels in patients’ serum before and after treatment. Results. Mean levels of VEGF decreased in 3.95 – 5.38 times after the treatment. Also, recurrent cases were estimated. In the case of the recurrence, VEGF levels were higher than in non-recurrent cases. Conclusions. Therefore, results of the study suggest an association between the recurrence of varicose veins and the change of VEGF level.