Comparing the efficacy of mechanochemical ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for treating great saphenous vein incompetence: A meta-analysis

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Anatomy (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026): Fascial plane blocks for shoulder – anesthetic technique, not anatomy
• Picked for Surgery (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. METHODS: Online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing MOCA and RFA in the treatment of varicose veins in lower extremities from database inception to October 2025. Primary outcome was anatomic success. Secondary outcomes were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score (AVVQ), and complications. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Subsequent analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: A total of four RCTs, one cohort studies and retrospective cross-sectional study involving 737 patients (380 MOCA patients and 357 RFA patients) were included. The meta-analysis results showed that the RFA group was significantly better than the MOCA group in short-term and long-term of anatomical success rate [(OR=0.38, 95% CI (0.20, 0.71), P=0.003), (OR=0.17, 95% CI (0.06, 0.45), P=.0003)], but patients in the MOCA group had significantly lower perioperative period pain (MD=-4.48, 95% CI (-7.58, -1.37), P=.005] and required fewer days to return to normal activities (MD=-0.76, 95% CI, (-0.95, -0.57), P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in minor and major complications [(OR=0.93, 95% CI (0.66, 1.33), P=0.70), (OR=1.30, 95% CI (0.32, 5.28), P=0.72)] or quality of life scores (MD = -0.45, 95% CI (-2.53 to 1.63), P = 0.67). CONCLUSION: MOCA of great saphenous vein incompetence is an effective and safe method. Compared with RFA, it has lower post-operative pain score and faster recovery time. However, the anatomical success rates were significantly lower with MOCA than with RFA. Therefore, long-term follow-up to evaluate the impact on clinical results is required.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.