Venous Procedures to Treat Venous Leg Ulcers

The purpose of this review is to describe the standard procedures used to treat venous leg ulcers (VLUs), including endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or other surgical modalities, and discuss the associated literature. Results of relevant studies, including clinical trials, prospective studies, and retrospective chart reviews, will be critically analyzed and integrated with the authors’ clinical experience. We aim to compare the different methods to help guiding clinical decision-making. It is important to consider each patient’s medical comorbidities, age, and preference in considering a surgical intervention. Studies show that EVLA and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) enable ulcers to heal faster and lower the rates of recurrence. Minimally invasive procedures have replaced open surgical techniques as a means of treating VLUs. EVLA and UGFS appear to be safe and effective treatment options for most patients.