Background Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a common condition associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. This condition results in chronic discomfort and functional impairment, significantly reducing patients’ quality of life due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and venous ulcers. Recurrence of varicose veins after treatment often leads to the reappearance of clinical symptoms, necessitating further intervention. Effective management is crucial for addressing incompetent perforator veins, which are a key factor in such recurrences. Objective To compare the efficacy (anatomical closure rates and clinical improvement) and safety of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue (NBCA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of recurrent varicose veins due to recurrent/residual incompetent perforators. Materials and methods This is a single-centre, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The trial will be conducted under the Department of Interventional Radiology at Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi, Maharashtra, India. A total of 200 patients with recurrent varicose veins (CEAP C3–C6) will be enrolled and randomly assigned to EVLA (Group A) or NBCA (Group B). Interventions will be performed under ultrasound guidance. Outcome assessment will be single-blinded. Primary outcomes include anatomical closure rates and improvement in Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) at 6 months and 1 year. Secondary outcomes include complications and procedure duration. Result The study is designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety profile of NBCA and EVLA in recurrent varicose veins due to recurrent/residual incompetent perforators. Conclusion This trial will provide evidence on the comparative efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate glue versus EVLA, potentially guiding optimal management of recurrent varicose veins. Trial registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2025/08/093813; registered on 05 July 2025).
Nirwan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.