Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing microwave ablation vs. radiofrequency ablation for treatment of great saphenous vein reflux

This study compares the outcomes of Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed with a random-effects model to compute mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Three cohorts were included. Patients undergoing EMA showed a significant improvement in quality of life, with a reduction in Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire - 14 (CIVIQ-14) scores (MD −0.66; 95% CI −1.08 to −0.25; P < 0.01). Regarding length of stay, RFA patients may have experienced a slightly shorter recovery time than those in the EMA group (MD 0.12; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.30; P = 0.06). Lastly, phlebitis was slightly reduced in the EMA group, but this difference was also non-significant. Our findings revealed no significant differences between the two techniques.