Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat certain vascular malformations and varicose veins. It involves the injection of a sclerosing agent into the affected vein, which causes the vein to close off and eventually disappear.

Indications

• Treatment of spider veins and small varicose veins
• Treatment of telangiectasias (small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin)
• Treatment of venous malformations, such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Active infection or inflammation in the area to be treated
• History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
• Severe cardiovascular disease

Procedure

The procedure is typically performed in a doctor's office and takes about 15-30 minutes to complete. The patient may be asked to lie down on an examination table, and the area to be treated is cleaned with antiseptic solution. A sclerosing agent, such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate or polidocanol, is then injected into the affected vein using a small needle.

Sclerosing Agents

• Sodium tetradecyl sulfate: a detergent-based sclerosant that works by damaging the endothelium of the vein and causing it to close off
• Polidocanol: a non-ionic sclerosant that works by damaging the endothelium of the vein and causing it to close off

Aftercare

After the procedure, the patient may experience some bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. The patient is advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and long periods of standing for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

Complications

• Bruising or hematoma at the injection site
• Infection or inflammation at the injection site
• Allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent
• Nerve damage or numbness

Success Rate

The success rate of sclerotherapy varies depending on the size and location of the veins being treated, as well as the individual patient's response to the procedure. In general, sclerotherapy is effective in treating spider veins and small varicose veins, with a reported success rate of 50-80%.