Regional Anesthesia in Ambulatory Endovenous Ablation Surgery: Comparison of Postoperative Effects of Femoral Block and Low-Dose Spinal Anesthesia

Varicose veins represent irreversible, abnormal dilatations of the venous structures. They manifest as tortuous, swollen vessels visible beneath the skin of the lower extremities, particularly the feet and legs. Symptoms typically worsen with prolonged standing or sitting. In the early stages, conservative management options-such as the use of compression (elastic) stockings and frequent elevation of the legs-may be effective. In more advanced cases involving extensive varicosities, invasive interventions including sclerotherapy or endovascular ablation may be indicated. These procedures can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia.

Spinal anesthesia is a neuraxial technique that produces temporary sensory, motor, and sympathetic blockade through the subarachnoid administration of local anesthetics, with or without adjuvant agents. Clinically, it is commonly employed for surgeries involving the lower extremities, lower abdomen, perineal, gluteal, inguinal, and rectal regions, as well as select urologic and obstetric procedures.

A femoral nerve block is a regional anesthesia technique that involves ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetic around the femoral nerve in the inguinal region. It provides effective analgesia for the anterior thigh, knee joint, and medial aspect of the lower leg. In endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), a femoral block can offer adequate sensory blockade to serve as a sole anesthetic technique.