Objective: To compare endovenous diode laser photocoagulation and conventional stripping of the great saphenous vein. Methods: A controlled and blind prospective study of 20 patients with symptomatic varicose veins and bilateral great saphenous vein insufficiency who underwent surgery between March 2002 and February 2004. For each case, both techniques were randomly performed, one at each side. The postoperative assessment consisted of questionnaires, physical examination and digital photography of all patients since the 7 th postoperative day. Patients also underwent examination with duplex scan at the 30th postoperative day and air plethysmography 60 days after the surgery. This project was approved by the ethics committee, and the patients were included after signing the consent form. All data were submitted to statistical analysis using the software SPSS and SAS. Results: The endovenous laser technique presented similar pain, but less edema and less hematoma during the postoperative period. The index of esthetic improvement and satisfaction with the surgery was 100% for both techniques, but a minority of patients reported that the limb operated with the laser had better results. There was improvement in venous filling time in both groups, but with no significant difference. During the follow-up (average of 26 months), there was one case of mild and transient paresthesia at the conventional side and only one recanalization at the laser side. Conclusion: The endovenous photocoagulation for the treatment of the great saphenous vein in patients with lower limb varicose veins is safe and presents results comparable with the conventional stripping. 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