Abstract
Background In the past, surgical treatment of truncal varicosis
consisted of high ligation, stripping procedures and if necessary phlebectomy in a
minisurgical technique. In the last decade endoluminal technique and especially laser
procedures have gained important. Complications after endoluminal laser techniques are rarely
desribed.
Method We describe in a case report for the first time the
intraoperative detachement of a laser probe tip during endonominal therapy of truncal
varicosis. Direct imaging evidence of the detached probe tip was not possible by duplex
sonography due to the applied TLA solution. CT diagnostics were also inconclusive.
Result On the day following the operation, the torn probe tip was
easily identified by ultrasound. In order to prevent embolisation of detached glass particles
we decided to openly surgically remove the probe tip and subsequently to perform high
ligation.
Conclusion With a time delay (hours), it is possible to reliably
locate the detached probe tip using ultrasound.Surgical intervention but also passive waiting
are to be discussed.
Keywords endoluminal therapy - laser therapy - laser probe complication - varicose vein surgery
