Experience of Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

ABSTRACT

Sclerotherapy has been demonstrated as an effective and minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins of the lower limbs, which can be performed on an out-patient basis. Between March 2000 and August 2001, we reviewed 138 patients who had been diagnosed as chronic venous disease in our hospital, and treated and evaluated a total of 32 limbs in 21 patients with primary varicose veins. There were 18 women and 3 men whose age was ranging from 31 to 55 years old, with a mean of 41.7 years. Eleven of 21 patients had bilateral involvement of lower extremity. Sclerodex (Sclerosant) was administered for telangiectasia less than 1 mm and reticular vein less than 4 mm, and Thromboject (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate) was for reticular vein more than 4 mm. Two types of operations were stripping of saphenous vein (6 cases) and high ligation (18 cases). All patients were cosmetically satisfied with the results. Minor complications after injection such as 7 cases (21.9 %) of erythema, 5 cases(15.6 %)of bullae, 4 cases (12.5 %)of thrombosis were occurred. However, no permanent change such as skin necrosis and pigmentation were appeared. Systemic responses such as dizziness or sweating were not observed in anyone. Sclerotherapy should improve both the safety and efficacy of the treatment of varicose vein. Our study suggests that the careful evaluation before planning the treatment of varicose vein is important for exact choice of patients and proper results.