Comparative Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgical Methods for the Treatment of Varicose Vein Disease in the Lower Extremities

Alisher Kozhamkul 1 * , Almas Saduakas 2, Aman Berkinbay 3 * , Sabit Pazilov 4, Onlassyn Ibekenov 5, Abylai Baymakhanov 6
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1 Resident, NJSC «Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery», Almaty, Kazakhstan
2 Doctoral Program, Kazakhstan Medical University “Higher School of Public Health,” Almaty, Kazakhstan
3 Resident-surgeon, JSC «Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University», Almaty, Kazakhstan
4 Department of Vascular Surgery, NJSC «Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery», Almaty, Kazakhstan
5 Head of Strategic Development, NJSC «Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery», Almaty, Kazakhstan
6 Faculty of Postgraduate Education, JSC «Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University», Almaty, Kazakhstan
* Corresponding Author
J CLIN MED KAZ, Volume 22, Issue 5, pp. 66-72. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/17135
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Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A. K., A. S., A. B., S. P.; methodology, A. K., A. S., A. Berkinbay; investigation, A. K., A. S., A. B.; data curation, S. P., O. I., A. B.; writing – original draft preparation, A. K., A. B.; writing – review and editing, S. P., O. I., A. B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Varicose vein disease (VVD) of the lower extremities is a widespread condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life and often leads to complications such as thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency. The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques—such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy—has created opportunities to reduce postoperative complications, shorten recovery time, and improve cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the National Scientific Center of Surgery named after A.N. Syzganov in Almaty, Kazakhstan, between January 2019 and December 2024. The study included 481 patients diagnosed with VVD, divided into two groups: Group I (n=305) underwent traditional surgical treatment (ligation and vein stripping), while Group II (n=176) received minimally invasive interventions (EVLA, RFA, or sclerotherapy). Data on demographics, CEAP classification, Doppler ultrasound parameters, intraoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and recovery time were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression (p<0.05).
Results: Minimally invasive methods showed significantly shorter operative times (43.2 vs. 78.6 min), less intraoperative blood loss (48.9 vs. 160.3 ml), and fewer complications (6.8% vs. 16.9%). Postoperative pain (VAS) and hospital stay were significantly lower in the minimally invasive group. However, traditional surgery was more often used in advanced cases (C3–C4 stages).
Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgical methods for VVD are associated with fewer complications, faster recovery, and greater patient satisfaction. However, traditional approaches remain essential in severe cases. Individualized treatment planning based on clinical stage and patient characteristics is key to achieving optimal outcomes.
Keywords: varicose veins, minimally invasive methods, sclerotherapy, surgical treatment, thrombosis, lower extremities.

CITATION

Kozhamkul A, Saduakas A, Berkinbay A, Pazilov S, Ibekenov O, Baymakhanov A. Comparative Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgical Methods for the Treatment of Varicose Vein Disease in the Lower Extremities. J CLIN MED KAZ. 2025;22(5):66-72. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/17135

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