Calcium Dobesilate After Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

Overview

This study evaluates whether calcium dobesilate, a venoactive drug, improves recovery after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins. Patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency undergoing RFA will be randomly assigned to receive either calcium dobesilate (500 mg twice daily) or standard care alone. The treatment starts 7 days before the procedure and continues for 30 days after. The primary outcome is postoperative pain at day 7. Secondary outcomes include pain at days 14 and 30, quality of life, ecchymosis, and return to daily activities.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for great saphenous vein insufficiency. Although effective, patients may experience postprocedural pain, ecchymosis, and discomfort during recovery. Venoactive drugs have been shown to reduce symptoms in chronic venous disease and may improve recovery after venous procedures. Calcium dobesilate is a venoactive agent that reduces capillary permeability, inhibits platelet aggregation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is approved for chronic venous insufficiency treatment in many countries including Turkey. This prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled trial will investigate whether perioperative calcium dobesilate administration improves clinical outcomes after RFA. Approximately 100 patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 to either: * Intervention group: Calcium dobesilate 500 mg twice daily starting 7 days before RFA and continuing for 30 days postoperatively, plus standard care * Control group: Standard care alone (RFA plus compression stockings) All patients will undergo standardized RFA procedure under tumescent anesthesia. Assessments will be performed at baseline, and postoperative days 1, 7, 14, 30, and 90. Primary endpoint is pain score (VAS) at day 7. Secondary endpoints include VCSS, CIVIQ-20 quality of life score, ecchymosis score, analgesic use, and time to return to normal activities.