Naomi Lee
Introduction
Moving varicose veins treatments from a theatre based procedure to officebased/procedure rooms has proven efficacious, brought large cost savings and a better patient experience. Since moving varicose veins to a procedure room, we have monitored outcomes to ensure this is the case in our hospital.
Methods
217 varicose veins procedures were carried out in a procedure room in the 12 months from January 2025. From September 2024 to January 2025 62 procedures were performed in theatre. Electronic patient records (EPR) were reviewed at eight weeks post procedure, assessing for any unscheduled care in relation to their procedure. This data was compared to assess complication rates. Complications included: venous thromboembolism (VTE) including endothermal heat induced thrombosis (EHIT); thrombophlebitis requiring intervention; haematoma and infection.
Results
Analysis demonstrated a 4.15% complication rate from the procedure room compared to a 4.84% complication rate from theatres. Of the complications from theatres 66.6% were VTEs: 33.3% deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 33.3% EHIT, 33.3%, 33.3% were thrombophlebitis requiring intervention. Comparatively from the procedure room, 66.6% of the complications were VTEs (33.3% EHIT, 66.6% Pulmonary embolism), 22.2% Haematoma, 11.1% Infection.
Conclusions
The procedure room has demonstrated a comparable complication rate to the procedures being performed in theatre. Demonstrating that this not only more financially viable in a cash strapped National Health Service, but most importantly of equal safety. We acknowledge that whilst the complication rate is comparable there was a higher rate of VTEs, root cause analysis showed that patient factors played a considerable role.
Authors
Naomi Lee, Alice Jones, Ryan Trickett
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom