Treatment of varicose veins – endovenous laser (EVLA/EVLT)

Modern, pain-free treatment

Treatment of varicose veins is now simple and almost pain-free. Traditional stripping surgery used to be the standard, but today we primarily use endovenous thermal laser ablation for effective results without large incisions.

At Kirurgen.dk we focus on the latest laser technology (EVLA , endovenous laser ablation) to minimise discomfort. These methods are rarely associated with long-term pain or complications and ensure a good cosmetic result. We follow the recommendations of the Danish Society for Vascular Surgery.

The important preliminary examination

A thorough preliminary examination is essential before treatment. Its purpose is to determine the correct treatment method and the most optimal course of action.

We perform a simple venous scan (duplex ultrasound), which is pain-free and aims to:

• Precisely identify where in the vein the problem (venous insufficiency) lies.
• Assess the size and shape of the varicose veins.

Laser treatment (EVLA): how it works pain-free

Laser treatment for varicose veins is in most cases the preferred method due to its gentleness.

1. Local anaesthesia: The entire procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you are pain-free during treatment.
2. Minimal intervention: Through a single small incision of a few millimetres, a thin laser fibre is inserted into the diseased vein.
3. Thermal energy: The laser uses thermal energy (heat) to close the diseased veins and varicose veins from within. Blood flow is then automatically redirected to the healthy veins.

Advantages of laser treatment

• Gentle: Only local anaesthesia and a minimal incision.
• Little pain: Post-procedure pain is minimal and can usually be managed with common painkillers.
• Quick recovery: Most patients resume work and normal activities the day after treatment.
• Durable result: Over 95% of treated veins are still closed after 5 years.

Other treatment options (microsurgery)

In cases where the shape or location of the varicose veins does not allow full laser treatment, a modified form of surgery may be necessary.

• Microsurgery: Large superficial varicose veins are removed through very small incisions of 2-3 mm. Because the incisions are so small, the treatment typically leaves no visible scars. It is often combined with laser treatment of the main vein.

What does varicose vein treatment cost?

Patients with a referral from their GP pay nothing , the clinic operates under the Danish public health insurance. For self-payers the prices are simple and include the full course (preliminary examination, procedure, compression stocking and follow-up scan):

Course	With GP referral	Self-payer , per leg
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA/EVLT)	DKK 0	DKK 12,000
Classic surgical treatment	DKK 0	DKK 8,000

We always recommend talking to your own GP first , most patients with varicose veins qualify for a referral under the public health insurance and therefore pay nothing.