Compression Sclerotherapy for Primary Varicose Vein of the Lower Extremities

ABSTRACT

Varicose vein can cause embarrassment in life not only for pathophysiological reasons but also for aesthetic reasons, especially when wearing shorts or swimming suits. The main traditional therapy has been the surgical obliteration or stripping of greater or lesser saphenous veins. However, as the varicose veins are not bothersome in life, many patients can not easily decide to receive such painful operations. In Europe, the sclerotherapy has been applied since several decades ago with good results, which can obliterate these veins by the simple injection of a sclerosing solution into the vessel. From 1995 to 1999, We conducted the sclerotherapy of varicose veins in 549 patients (765 cases). Selected sclerosing agent was Fibrovein (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) which has the safest, painless and excellent effect. Due to the above mentioned benefits, this agent has been used popularly by phlebologist in the world. The results were excellent, average treatment sessions were 3 times and average follow up period was 1 year (3 months - 5 years). Most of the patients were satisfied with the results and no severe complications were observed. Recurrence were recognized in 69 cases (9%) within the first year. We did not experience any life threatening allergic reaction nor severe complications. The pain elicited by needle injection could be minimized using small caliber. In conclusion, compression sclerotherapy is simple, safe, excellent treatment for varicose veins and it would be applicable in the field of plastic surgery.