BACKGROUND: The laser is a new treatment to varicose veins and there is several myths and doubts in relation to its efficacy; then, there is the need to compare it with the most commonly sclerosing solution (hypertonic glucose) used in our specialty. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency of the diode laser 980nm to the glucose 75% in the occlusion of veins from the ear of rabbits. METHODS: Aleatory trial in laboratory animals during 21 days. The sample consisted of ears from male adult rabbits. Group L (laser): 15 ears treated with laser; group G (glucose 75%): 15 ears treated with glucose 75%. Primary variables: sclerotic and/or occluded veins. Complementary variables: volume of the managed substance, complications and weight of rabbit. The sample size was estimated in 30 ears. The statistical analysis was carried out by Fisher''s exact test associated to the Relative Risk (RR), calculating the confidence interval of 95% for the mentioned variables. RESULTS: The incidence of sclerosis or venous occlusion in group G was 53% (8/15; 95%CI: 27-79) and in group L was 20% (3/15; 95% CI: 4-49). Two-tailed p was 0.1281, RR using the approximation of Katz was 2.66; 95%CI: 0.87-8.15. CONCLUSION: The efficiency of the diode laser 980 nm in comparison to glucose 75% in occlusion of veins in this experimental model was equivalent.
sclerotherapy; laser therapy; glucose; rabbits
